Melissa Goes North

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” -Dr. Seuss

2012-02-11T23:14:00.000-06:00

I am trying to be better about updating this blog while I’mstudent teaching. I know that in the future, I will want to look back on thistime. So, here I am. I survived week one of full time teaching without my hostteacher around. There are twenty-five 4^th and 5^th gradestudents in my class. During math time I send my 5^th graders to myteam teacher’s classroom and I take her fourth graders. This bumps me up toabout thirty kids. 30 kids to one teacher is difficult at times. I have foundthat the hardest part of teaching is recognizing how diverse my students areand catering to each of their needs. For example, I have some students who areat a 2^nd grade math level. I also have some students who are at a 7^thgrade math level. It’s incredibly difficult to plan and teach a lesson thatkeeps all levels of learners interested and engaged. I try my best but I amcompletely a work in progress. I guess the important thing is that I realizethat I am a work in progress!

Last week I not only started my takeover of the class but Ialso started teaching my integrated unit. We are learning all about Alaska.Being that I have only been in the state a little over three years, I am havinga crash course in Alaska studies too! So far, it has gone very well. The kidsare excited to learn about their state. They have been very well behaved and Irarely have to raise my voice. I have close to 100% participation (which anyteacher can tell you is hard and rare) and the kids have SO many questions.Monday we are doing a couple fun things. I am having the kids paint withfeathers. They are painting the Northern Lights and then we will hang them up withparagraphs they wrote about Alaska’s beauty. Also, we will be doing somemapping activities. Groups of students will be given envelopes with “missions”in them. They will have to label our blank map of Alaska with items such as mountainranges, rivers, major cities, etc. I think they will really enjoy it! For theremainder of the week we move into learning about the native tribes that livein each region of Alaska. Being that we have several native students in ourclass, this should be fun!

Also, this next week is Valentine’s Day, as if anyone couldforget! In a moment of sheer stupidity, I ventured to Fred Meyers. It was packed!I’m not sure that I have ever seen so many people in that store. The jewelrystore was hopping as well as the card section and of course, the many pink andred aisles devoted to the holiday. On Tuesday we will be exchanging valentinesin class. I’m not sure how this will work but I have my v-day box made. I can’twait for the kids to see it and I can’t wait to see what the kids bring in!

My V-Day Box

My Valentines I'm handing out with a crunch bar.

In other news, my supervisor stopped by this week to observemy teaching. She had nothing but positive things to say! I approached her aboutadding her as a reference on my resume and she was happy to oblige. She isplanning a meeting with me to discuss applying on the east coast. She lived andworked in Maryland (and I think a few other states) for several years beforemoving here. Despite the fact that she is a Terps fan and I am not…I will takeall the info I can get!

Tomorrow I’m meeting with my host teacher to plan out theweek.

*Last week I kicked two kids out of my class. One forbullying and one for punching and kicking the bookshelf. I handed out fourchecks to misbehaving students but didn’t have to call a single student’sparents. Let’s hope next week goes better.*

Sometimes there is no next time, no second chance, no time out. Sometimes it is now or never.

2012-02-03T23:27:00.002-06:00

And February is off with a bang!
It never ceases to amaze me how fast time flies. It seems like I'm constantly hopping around with a list of things to do and I never manage to get entirely through the list! Some great things have happened recently though. Firstly, my car is officially fixed! It had some sort of damaged tube that caused it to die occasionally at stop signs. This was kind of funny in the beginning, as my roommate and I would start laughing at how awkward it felt to have the car die with a line of cars behind us. Then it became more frequent and annoying. Luckily, it was a simple fix and the Mendenhall auto people took good care of her (Of course, my car is female).
What else has happened? Well, I turned in my application for graduation. I know. I know. About time! Right? I've only been in school forever. But hey, I figure, I have been living a pretty amazing dream up here and so what if I'm late getting out of school? Most of my credits didn't transfer into UAS, like I was told they would. So, yes, it took me longer than expected. BUT who else can say that they did what I did. I mean, I go to an amazing school, with a top notch education program. I have a great host teacher who has taught me EVEN MORE than the school has taught me. I live in God's Country; beautiful Alaska. Plus, I spend my summers working at a helicopter company where I get to see some of the most beautiful glaciers in the world. It's a unique experience and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. The point, well, Graduation is MAY 6th Baby!

(Why yes, I'm rocking my plaid at school! And you're correct, I absolutely am drawing fruit.)

What else is going on? Welp, my takeover in the classroom starts Monday! YIKES! This could go very right or very wrong. I've been working on preparing for a while now but I still feel unprepared. I know it will all come together but I also know that it will be difficult and exhausting. It will be worth it though...or so I'm going to tell myself....
Speaking of the classroom, we have had some fun things going on. We have had the district art teacher stopping by each week. I've been doing the lessons with the kids and it's been a blast. Our kids have also been learning ballroom dancing. They think it's soo funny to see their teachers dancing with them. I think it's really funny to see all the tiny boys dancing with girls who are starting to mature, and are two feet taller than them. Last week I finished reading A Long Way From Chicago to the kids. It was a GREAT book. The kids loved it and we all got several laughs from it! Some were written into the story. Several were candid moments from my students. For example, at the end of the book it spoke briefly of a girdle. One boy in the front row raised his hand and very seriously informed all of us that "A girdle was something that made girls skinny and pushed those things up." When he said 'those things' he gestured to his chest as if he had breasts. I about fell off my chair and so did the rest of the class. This week we have moved onto a book called Zorgamazoo. It is a chapter book that is entirely in poem form. It's pretty funny and the kids love poems at this age. Some of them are not sure whether they like the book or not but they are all engaged. That's all that matters. I like to make bulletin boards for each of my read-alouds, so I made a new one today. It turned out well.

So, that's life in the classroom for now... I'm putting it all on hold for a little relax time tonight. I've got Criminal Minds loaded on my computer and I'm ready to chill. Tomorrow will be full of planning and stressing and preparing for Monday. Sunday will also be full of this same behavior, with a little bit of time allotted for the SUPER BOWL! I would also like to take some time on Sunday to put in a few applications along the East Coast....we'll see...

Here is a story that's stranger than strange. Before we begin you may want to arrange:

a blanket, a cushion, a comfortable seat,

and maybe some cocoa and something to eat.

-Zorgamazoo (Chapter 1)

"Children have to be educated, but they have also to be left to educate themselves."

2012-01-14T13:19:00.002-06:00

What a fun week we had in the classroom! This was my first full week back in the classroom and let me tell you, I have never felt more exhausted. Eight ours of sleep just isn't cutting it! I hope that my body adjusts and I get used to it.

At the beginning of this week we had the Discover Alaska Southeast team stop by the classroom. This is a program that takes pride in educating children about the place they live in, Southeast Alaska. The last time they stopped by we were talking about the water cycle and they took our kids on a walk to Jordan Creek. The kids loved it! This time they brought a ton of (clean) dead birds with them.

Every child had a bird. The class worked on drawing these birds. They were able to hold them, to spread their wings out, and to position them. Then they drew them to the best of their ability. I had a blast just jumping from table to table and looking at the birds.

This picture is of an owl that was hit by a car. Most of the kids would never get the chance to see some of these birds up close if it were not for this program.

Moving on, we also had a field trip this week. We went ice skating. I was very nervous about this because I have only been ice skating three times. All of those times were up here and about a year apart. I was afraid that the kids would try to knock me down or hang on me and I really didn't want to end up on the ice. However, several of the kids had trouble skating and clung to the walls. I, on the other hand, felt pretty comfortable. I didn't fall once. They were playing great music and we were all having a blast. Not to mention that the kids think I'm cool now because I know Lady Gaga songs. Haha.

At the end of the lessons we had open skate. This is where they turned on the music and turned down the lights. The kids really enjoyed this part. I would zoom pass some of the kids and they would be singing at the top of their lungs. Kids at this age are so worried about what their peers think of them that it was really fun to see them letting loose, singing and dancing a little on their skates. After we returned to the classroom, we were all exhausted. The kids needed a nap. Heck, even my host teacher and I needed a nap.

The following day I was SO sore. I guess I was using some muscles that I haven't used in a long time! Either way, I need to get my ice skates back up here so I can go skating again. I really enjoyed it!

What else do I have to add....let's see.... I have been working on my unit. Things are starting to come together I guess. Most units will end up around 75 pages long, or so I'm told. Right now, I'm on about page five. I guess I shouldn't be too optimistic at this point. haha. But the good news is that I have been working on it and I have been conversing with my host teacher and our team teachers and we all seem to be on the same page. This weekend, I am working on the unit and getting some of the lesson planned out for the first week. That's the goal!

Right now, I'm getting ready to head to the gym and then the grocery store. I may just hit up the used book store while I'm out and about!

"Genius without education is like silver in the mine."-Benjamin Franklin

"The most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight but has no vision."

2012-01-02T18:47:00.006-06:00

An Entire Month Without Posting! Sheesh. December was a hectic month though, with lots of school assignments and papers due. Not to mention, in the classroom we had many crafts and activities going on. It was exhausting. The two week break back to Missouri was much needed.

While I wish I could say the break was all fun and games, unfortunately, it was not. Kinsey was sick with the flu when I arrived. By the end of the trip I had the flu and was stuck inside. Several other family members caught the bug as well. It didn't ruin the trip. I ended up getting to see the majority of my family members. I got to spend a little time with Kinsey and she is growing like crazy! She says the funniest things as well. My favorite line was when she called Debbie a "Crazy Bum!" I wonder where she heard that from?!

I was able to do a ride along with my brother over the short vacation. There wasn't a lot of action but it was nice to catch up. I can't think of the last time we had the chance to sit and chat so much. Then, of course, there was all of the Christmas stuff going on. My family seems to grow every time I leave the state. Every time I return someone different seems to have had a baby. It's great though! I love seeing all the kiddos when I return home. They grow so quickly and I can play with them, get them into trouble, and then leave. haha.

Over the break I started researching schools along the East coast. Its difficult to narrow down where I want to live next. My main problem is that I love the school I am student teaching at and I want to find a school similar. That's probably not going to happen but I like to hope. Right now I am looking at South Carolina and Georgia. I want to go somewhere where I can help students.

After a long 15 hour flight back to Juneau on the 31st, I was shipped to downtown Juneau for dinner, then managed to stay up until midnight Alaska Standard Time (which was 24hrs awake for me). After wishing my friends a happy new year, it was back to bed where I slept the best I have in a long while. Yesterday was full of unpacking and cleaning. Today I ventured out to the elementary school to print some papers and prep for school to start tomorrow. That's right. School starts back up for me and my 4th and 5th graders tomorrow!

The count down to graduation begins and there is a lot to cover between now and then.

Remember your resolutions and Happy New Year Everyone!

"That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works." [Psalm 26:7]

2011-11-24T16:37:00.002-06:00

I realize that it has been a bit of time since I last updated. My life is crazy busy right now. I know that I always say that but as soon as I think it can’t get any worse, it does. Right now, I am in the process of doing homework, writing knowledge statements (papers that prove I know how to teach each subject) and preparing presentations for next week.

I am thankful for my current schooling:

This past week was parent/teacher conferences. While the kids have the week off for Thanksgiving break, we teachers spent Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday with parents, discussing their children. I was very excited for this, knowing full well the drama, the tears, and the happiness that these meetings can bring. Let’s just say I was not let down.

I never thought that the meetings would be so much like a therapy session. Parents were eager to tell us all their problems and how little Johnny can’t concentrate at home. It was sad really. Several adults and children had tears of joy and fear coming into the conference but I am happy to say that every conference ended on a good note. My host teacher is great with word choice and making people feel comfortable. She likes to talk about the positive things that each student is doing in class. She brings up the struggles in a positive way and I feel that we might see some changes from students next week in class. What a great learning experience.

I am thankful for my family:

As most know, it has been a crazy few months of stress on my family. Several family members have been in and out of the hospital for different reasons. My great grandmother passed away not too long ago. And a few weeks ago was the anniversary of my grandmother's (on my dad’s side) death from cancer. I often wonder what she would think of me and what she would be like if she were alive today.

Overall, I am so grateful to have a family that puts up with my constant rambling about all the new things I am learning in school. They put up with my excitement and nervousness about the future. I am grateful for my parents who have helped me through college in many ways and I am sure are happy to see the end drawing near. I am thankful for my brother whom I have grown closer to the farther apart we live. I am thankful for a niece who loves me though I can’t see her every day. I am also thankful that she will now talk to me on the phone and never ceases to make me laugh.

I could go on and on…

I am thankful for my friends, past and present:

I am so happy that I have managed to make a few new friends this year. With the hectic schedule, some friends have been placed on the back burner. While it’s not ideal, it is the way things have to be for this year. I am happy to say that I have made friends with other student teachers who can empathize with my situation. Not only that, but they are funny and upbeat. Knowing that the winter days are getting shorter and shorter, it’s nice to have a few happy, helpful friends on the long dark winter days.

I am constantly in awe of how time changes things. Right now, the Paradise Jam is taking place in the Virgin Islands. I remember sitting in the stands watching the games and wishing I were back up here. Now, I would give anything for a bit of sun! Ha! Anyways, so much has changed since then. I have lost friends due to distance, differences, and/or distractions. But I can honestly say that I am thankful for the experiences they gave me and the hardships I have overcome. I am thankful for their exits, some exuberant and others quiet. I have learned from them all.

Overall, I am thankful for the people that come in and out of my life. They bring joy and a sense of peace. Some bring drama and a devious spirit. Either way, they make life fun and challenging. I can’t imagine it any other way.

Lastly, I am thankful for the snow:

Juneau has been under a winter storm warning on and off for a few days now. We continue to get snow on top of snow, on top of snow. It rains, it melts, and then it snows again. Last night we received somewhere around a foot of snow and it is still falling. While it is freezing outside and my car is completely hidden under the winter blanket, I am grateful.

I am grateful because the snow is beautiful. I will admit that I was dreading winter but I had forgotten how beautiful Juneau looks with a layer of snow on it. Not only does it look like a postcard, but the pure white covering the evergreens and the icicles hanging off the buildings get me in the mood for Christmas. I’m thinking the 14 hour travel home might not be sooo bad now.

On top of the beauty, the snow is keeping me inside. It is forcing me to sit here and update my blog. After which, I am starting my homework. Like I mentioned before, I have readings, papers, and presentations to finish before NEXT WEEK! Thank God the snow has literally blocked in my car, not to mention my front porch. I have a feeling I will be getting a lot of work done over the next few days! Hurray!

What are you thankful for?

I Hope Everyone Has A Wonderful Thanksgiving!

I never teach my pupils; I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn. - Albert Einstein

2011-11-07T13:31:00.011-06:00

It seems like time is flying by because I have so much to do and nowhere to start. I am caught up on all my classes. I guess that's the good news. Yet, as the end of the semester draws nearer, I feel like I'm having a panic attack. I have so many papers to write, papers that will be in my portfolio. I can BS a paper like no one else but I figure that any paper that will stick in my portfolio should probably be well written and something I am confident about. I need to find some time to start on these even though they aren't do for several more weeks.

Let's see....Whats new? Well, I went out Friday night for the first time since summer break. I met up with several of the masters students for pizza and then we watched a band play at The Alaskan. It was funny to see how the majority of us teachers were leaving as the actual bar crowd was starting to arrive. A full day at school is an exhausting job. Some of these masters students have under twenty students in their class and they complain about how tired they are. It makes me feel good to know that our class is approaching thirty students and I'm hanging in there.

Speaking of my host classroom, things are going really well. This past week we got our first snow of the season. It was something like 8-10 inches and the students were CRAZY. Three recesses a day, on snowy days, means three recesses to get completely soaked and wild! With the arrival of snow, I felt it necessary to change the tree outside of the classroom. Here are the pictures so far of the seasonal tree:

I have to say that I'm impressed by my creativity here. It's not amazing but at least it looks like a tree! HA! The students really loved it and I had a few helping me. They put "holiday hats" on each bird. We also made a snowman that stands right beside our classroom door.

Parent teacher conferences are coming up and my host teacher likes to have the classroom nearly sparkling with student creativity. Their work is going to be hanging all around the room and we both think that the lovely tree (which most parents don't even notice) is a good addition. If there is one thing that I have learned from this entire experience so far (and there are many things I have learned) it is that teachers do SO much for their students and parents.

Not only do they keep the students safe at school and teach them, but they support them in extracurricular activities, they push them to do better at whatever they are involved in, they really take on the role of a second or third parent. To top it all off, they put a TON of work into their classrooms to make the classroom a safe, fun, place that can foster learning. Sadly, much of this goes unnoticed, even by the best parents. Half of the parents hold some sort of grudge against the teacher who MUST be out to get their child, and they don't even care that while they are at work, you are taking the time to sit one-on-one with their child (a 4th/5th grader) in order to get her reading above a first grade level (which is of course the schools fault to begin with). I truly believe that if parents were to completely support teachers and work with schools, the world would be a better place. But that is a soapbox I could write about forever.

So my week....well, I have to get in a literacy lesson plan sometime. So far, my host teacher has shot down a few of my ideas. We just don't have very much time in the day to work in new routines. I also have an assignment due tomorrow where I have to update my resume, answer interview questions, and fill out job applications. It's pretty exciting and a little unnerving that I don't have any idea where I want to end up after this year. I guess that means I can fill out applications from all over. Why not, right?

The school district has Friday off for veterans day this week. I'm very excited for the three day weekend. Thus far, anytime we have had a three/four day weekend, I have been in the classroom for teacher work days. Not this time. We all get a break and it is MUCH needed. I'm going to work my hardest to catch up on Everything so that I can really relax. I'm not sure if it will happen, but can't hurt trying.

Perhaps they are not stars...

2011-10-23T19:14:00.003-05:00

“Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.”-Eskimo Proverb

A lot has happened over the past few weeks. I was thinking today about how I needed to get on and post an update. My life has been crazy with school and moving and all kinds of stuff that has forced me to push back updating the blog. But now, I have decided to take the time to pause.

My Great Grandma died today. It came unexpected. There have been times over the past few years that we have all prepared for the worst, where her health seemed like it would never get better. Somehow it did. She was a strong woman.So...this caught us all off guard.

Today, she fell at her nursing home and broke her hip. That’s what I was told. They took her to the hospital for surgery and I guess I just underestimated the risks. Now we are grieving…well the family is grieving… back in Missouri and I am here in my new apartment, alone, sad… It seems unreal. Being 4,000 miles away from everything will mess with the mind. I mean, technically I could just tell myself that she is still around and that she will be there for Christmas dinner when I return during winter break.

No…

She is happy now. I know it. This was a woman who was strong. So strong. I think that is why we have such strong women in our family. She was strong in many ways. Just the fact of how long her life was is a testament to how strong she was. She survived two marriages…that’s proof too! Not only that, but she was strong in her faith. If this woman is not in heaven then I’m not sure that anyone else in the world will ever go to heaven. That gives me peace of mind. I know she is happy now because she used to talk about heaven. I know that she is looking down on everyone that she left behind and I know that she is happy…well beyond happy…I know that she is ecstatic. She is not in pain. She can breathe. She can walk without help or a walker. She probably has a dog that she can feed endless amounts of chicken too.

I like to think that she can visit any place in the world now. I always wanted her to see Alaska but her health was never good enough to fly the long flights up here. I think she would have loved it. She would have enjoyed the bright blue glaciers. She would have loved the ocean and the whales. After all, it is "God’s country" up here. I wanted her to see the Virgin Islands too. During winter time, it is gorgeous weather there. There is a great breeze and you can sit by the water for hours. I thought she would have loved the feel of the sand between her toes and the peaceful sound of waves crashing against the shore.

She is free now. I will think of her that way. Free to do whatever she wants. Wherever I go, I can take her with me.

Where do you want to go next Grandma? I think the mountains of California sound really nice.

"Love is friendship set on fire."-Jeremy Taylor

2011-10-16T18:38:00.005-05:00

Just a quick little update while I'm thinking about it.

It seems like I am constantly on my computer these days, typing away at papers, reflections, and lesson plans. When I actually get a break, it's nice to pull out a book so my eyes aren't staring at a screen all evening. Unfortunately, that leaves me little time or energy to keep my blog updated. So here I am:

It has been an eventful week. My week started with classes and papers, of course. Then I was in the elementary school Wednesday. I am now taking over a lot of class time. I run the morning, take attendance, introduce Math, take the kids to lunch and specials, pick them up from recess and settle them into snack time. I also do geography mini lessons and sometimes lead read aloud time. Then, for my classes, I have to reflect on all this.
This week and next week the students have swim lessons. It's great because this is a time where I am completely alone with the students. No host teacher to back me up or step in if the students riot against me. So far it is going well. I enjoy watching them learn to swim. It's actually very comical. The other teachers and I sit on benches near to pool and keep an eye on our students, while chatting. It's nice bonding time that we wouldn't get elsewhere because we all have busy lives. Then when the lessons are over, we rush the kids through the locker rooms and onto the bus again.
I think my host teacher is trying to get me used to being in charge for the entire day. This is something that the students have to get used to as well. My host teacher and I have similar expectations but sometimes I feel that I am much tougher on the students than she is. However, they try to push me more than they push her.
Anyways, this week I had students in class help me redecorate the wall outside of our room. We needed to change the color of the leaves on our tree to make it more fall like. They also wanted me to add a spider web and spider along with a "scary black cat." Here is how it ended up:
Now, it's the weekend and I'm swamped with papers, readings, journals, and there's always something I'm forgetting. Friday I came home from school and crashed. It's exhausting some days. Saturday morning around 3:00AM I have an unwanted surprise. I woke up with the sound of my bedroom door opening. There was silhouette of someone in the doorway and my fight or flight instincts kicked in right away. It was a completely wasted college girl in the wrong house, wrong bedroom and she refused to leave. I sat up in bed thinking to myself that "this WOULD happen to ME!" Why oh why did I forget to lock my bedroom door? The girl laid down on my floor and took off her shoes. After a bit of coaxing and finally some yelling, I got the girl out of my room. This didn't stop her from trying to enter my other roommates bedrooms. She even started yelling for a friend of hers, thinking that I was the one in the wrong house and her roommates would come prove me wrong. *sigh* I got her downstairs putting on her shoes and as soon as I turned my back she ran up my stairs again and into my bedroom. We played this game for a bit, with me yelling at her and she getting sad, making me feel bad for yelling, and then getting belligerent with me. I called the CA for help because my roommate who has been sick was doped up on NyQuil and slept through the entire thing. While the CAs were on the way, the girl took a seat and rode down my stairs on her butt before telling me she was going to be sick, depositing some loose change and a half smoked rolled cigarette on my counter and then crashing on my couch. Finally, I convinced her to put her shoes on and get some fresh air. I was even going to help her to her own apartment and bedroom, but she couldn't tell me what apartment she lives in. She made it a few steps out my door and then sat on my front porch step. Luckily the CAs showed up and helped her back to her apartment.
I woke up the next day still dumbfounded about the debacle but able to see the humor in it. While telling the story to my roommate we both laughed (and still laugh) about it. However, we are both terrified to leave the doors unlocked again, unsure of who might possibly stumble in. This trespasser was smaller than me and could easily have been taken down if needed. The next one may not be....I may have dodged a bullet here.

Moving on, today I took a trip to my elementary school just to get out of the house. I took my computer and my books with me and got some work done. I still have a long way to go but at least it's progress. Tomorrow and Tuesday I have been excused from my classes. Juneau is having it's state wide literacy conference and my host teacher is adamant that I be there. SO, I'm going to go listen to lots of speakers talk about literacy. I've heard great things about it, so who knows, it could be fun. Either way, this takes away two days that I generally work on homework. I guess that means I better get busy now!

"The problem is that most schools don't like great teachers. They're organised to stamp them out and make them average."

2011-10-01T20:52:00.005-05:00

It has been a crazy and wild week. I have been so busy writing lesson plans and trying to keep up with school that I think I might be going a little nuts. I have been having a blast though. It seems like Fridays are always tough because the kids are so wound up but they end so well, with the kids leaving and getting great feedback from my host teacher. The weekends aren't the most fun for me. They are full of homework. Literally I have a schedule of what work is done on Saturdays and what is done on Sundays. It's getting better though. None of the work is actually due until Monday evening and I am starting to get my routine down.

What's new with me? Well, let's see. I woke up this past Sunday with hives on my face. It is Saturday, almost a week of Benadryl later, and my face is finally starting to clear up. Also this past week, I prepared and delivered my first lesson plan. I taught the kids about the water cycle and then we did an experiment where we took 2L bottles and made our own water cycle models. At first I thought that the lesson didn't go so well. The students didn't know nearly as much as I assumed that they would know. However, my host teacher seemed thrilled with the lesson and was still able to give me some great feedback and suggestions. Monday I am returning to the classroom to finish the experiment and collect my evaluation form from my host teacher. I'm not too worried about it.

What else, what else. Well, Era is over now. The season ended last weekend and I was able to have my last dinner with the gang at the Hangar before saying some tough goodbyes. I have to admit that my life is much less stressful now that I have time to do my homework on the weekends.
Welp, it's October and the snowline is slowly starting to accumulate and drop on these nearby mountain tops. I'm just hoping we make it past Halloween before we get our first snow fall. (Did I mention that it hailed a few days ago? Better that than snow!) I'm already getting my Halloween costume in line for the students! It's exciting!

“Education is learning what you didn't even know you didn't know.”

2011-09-17T18:35:00.003-05:00

Week of Sept 12th entry. Taken from my Student Teaching Journal (for class.)

These short weeks in the classroom are killing me. I would love to be there all week long. Nevertheless, I am learning a great deal and getting more involved with the class. Besides wandering around the class all day and helping with various jobs, I get to do three main things. These three tasks allow me to show different sides of myself to the students: authoritative Ms. Peterson, fun Ms. Peterson, and teacher Ms. Peterson.

So far I have been leading the students to and from the classroom, transition times. This is the time where I get to show my authoritarian side; the time that I get to practice my mean face. There is no talking in the hallways which seems to be very difficult for most 4^th/5^th graders. Last week I gave my first “check” to a student because they were misbehaving during transition time. I don’t think the student thought I was allowed to give out checks. I was overcome with such a weird feeling…guilt. I felt bad for punishing the student. In hindsight, the girl was attempting to beat another student with her shoe and the check was completely necessary. Now, I am somewhat sad and happy to say that I have no guilt when I hand out checks. Usually the students return to their seats and get back to work. It makes for a more productive classroom.

I have also been introducing the class to various games. This is obviously where I get to show my fun side as a teacher. At this age, if they sit for too long, I think their heads might pop off. They become so full of energy that it is nearly impossible for some of them to get anything accomplished. Thus, we will play a 10-15 minute game to get some of the energy out. One game that the students seem to love is pretty simple. Grab a deck of cards and assign an exercise for each suit (i.e. Clubs would be jumping jacks). Draw a name and the student will come pick a card. The entire class does the exercise. On days where they return from PE class wound up, we play Silent Ball. This is a game where the students must throw a kooshling ball throughout the room without making any noise. If they drop the ball then they have to return to their desk. If they make a bad toss or make some sort of noise then they must also return to their desk. I like to mix things up by having them throw with only one eye open or standing on one leg. This makes the game go by quicker and gets us back on task.

Lastly, I have been doing read aloud time. We usually have two read aloud times. One is midway through the day. The students have a healthy snack and eat it while the teacher reads from a picture book. Towards the end of the day the teacher reads from a more difficult chapter book (Currently we are reading Becoming Naomi Leon). I have taken over reading from the picture book. This is also a part of our language lesson. This week I read Hello Harvest Moon to the students. This is a beautiful picture book with wonderful figurative language. While reading the book I have been encouraged by my host teacher to stop frequently and discuss the text. This week we talked about adjectives, adverbs, verbs, similes, onomatopoeias, and alliterations. I’m not sure why read alouds feel so far outside of my comfort zone. However, practice makes perfect and I try my best.

Finally, I am hoping to possibly do a science lesson this next week. The school will be wrapping up it’s MAPS testing (finally) which has been taking up the majority of our science time. I am excited to get going on lessons but will feel more comfortable once our routine is back to normal.

“Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death” -Einstein

2011-09-12T21:47:00.005-05:00

(Northern Lights over Auke bay)

College classes are underway and I think I might die of boredom! Ha!
"Everyone introduce yourself.."
There are only 12 of us student teaching and we all have the same classes and we have introduced ourselves to each other four times now! Ha!
Anyways, I am swamped with homework and am only able to write this blog because I am in a boring class and have nothing better to do.
Earlier today I had a three hour math class. Not a class where we have to do math but a class where the teacher lectures us on how to teach kids how to do math. ...Really... three hours of near death boredom!
The only good thing about this week has been the amazing amount of sunshine! I have made a few trips to the Shrine and did some reading in the sun. That has been amazing. We have even had the Northern Lights two or three times this week. How great is that?
As of right now, I am in the classroom working with kids three days a week. Mondays and Tuesdays I am in classes all day. Weekends... I am still working at Era for a few more weekends. The days have been terribly slow but at least I have a bit of money coming in.

Let's see....I think that's all that I have for now. Not much of an update but I wanted to keep the blog up to date! Hope life is treating everyone well!

"Flying is learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss." - Douglas Adams

2011-09-06T15:56:00.007-05:00

September is here and like every September, the rain and wind are in full force. Last night, the wind was blowing so hard it was actually shaking the house a bit. I found the whistling wind oddly comforting and passed out before I even knew I was tired. This part of the year is actually kind of pretty. I love fall in Midwest. I love the changing colors of the trees and sunsets. I wouldn't say that fall in Juneau compares to Missouri. The trees don't change much and it's hard to catch a sunset with all of the overcast days. Still, there are days that manage to take my breath away.

I often wonder how I will ever manage to leave such a beautiful place knowing I may not return for a while. This has been on my mind a lot lately, knowing that I graduate in less than a year. I often am asked what my plans are for after graduation. I feel so unprepared; I have no plans. Right now, I am taking one day at a time. I will start putting in resumes around Spring Break. At the same time I will be doing my rural practicum, which is where I head into the "bush" area of Alaska for a few days just to check it out. On the way back to Juneau I am required to stop at the Anchorage job fair. I don't think I want to teach in Alaska. Not far north anyways, but only time can tell.
Right now, college classes have just started. I have been in the classroom student teaching for a few weeks now and have been thoroughly enjoying myself. I have also been working at Era on the weekends and now I have these college courses to work into the mix. I can't really complain because I love all of it. I love my time in the 4th/5th grade class. I love having my weekends with my Era people. Believe it or not, I love having college classes too. It's just a lot to take on.
Era is wrapping up slowly but surely. I am sure I will be happy to have a weekend again but I hate seeing all my friends, new and old, leave Juneau. Some are heading back to their homes. Others are venturing off into the great unknown. THAT, I am jealous about. Right before winter in Juneau, the travel bug always hits me. I dread the darkness and frigid winter nights. Also, I have been here for a solid three years now and am antsy to see something new.

So far, I have had two classes: "Science in the K-8 classroom" and "Social Studies in the K-8 classroom." Both of which were very boring and full of introductions and reading over the syllabi. All of my classes are on Mondays and Tuesdays. I didn't have Monday classes this week due to Labor Day. I will be in the classroom student teaching Wednesday-Friday until next semester when I take over full time.

My student teaching is going well. I find my host teacher oddly intimidating...and also odd in general. She is a wonderful teacher and her class seems perfect at times. My own insecurities make me extremely intimidated to take over the class with her observing. Still, I manage to surprise myself every day in how much I am learning from her. She doesn't give much feedback but is so particular about her classroom that if I were to mess something up, she would let me know immediately. So far, so good. Her team teacher is host teaching my roommate which makes for great conversations between us college gals. She is a master’s student but we both have the same agenda. It's interesting to compare how our teachers handle certain situation or teach different lessons on the same material. We also get quite a laugh out of the things they say and the stories they tell.
In the evenings we often return home, put on a season of Grey's Anatomy and let our exhausted minds turn to mush for a while. My nights have been ending around 9:30 because I am usually too tired to stay up any later.
One of my favorite parts of teaching this age group is their developing sense of humor. Sometimes these kids say things that are so unexpected and quite witty. It's hard not to laugh when they get in trouble for it. It's also a great age because most of the students have that "teacher crush" still. They think their teacher is a super hero. I had a boy last week put a fake rose in his mouth and ask me to tango. Another little girl has to give me a hug at the end of each day and tell me bye. I have learned not to go to the grocery store right after school unless I want to run into every student of mine. It's pretty comical how they get so excited to see me that they can't even speak. All they can do is wave their hands and jump up and down.
I secretly love this part.

Overall, the semester is starting up better than I expected. I feel organized and prepared. Part of me is ridiculously nervous. Part of me is extremely excited to have the class entirely in my hands. I'm sure I'll keep you posted!

(You can click on these to see them more clearly.)

"All things good to know are difficult to learn."

2011-08-24T21:48:00.002-05:00

Welp, it's Friday and I just wrapped up my first week of student teaching. I have been in the classroom for over a week getting supplies and such ready for the kids. They showed up on Tuesday ready to learn and have a lot of fun. It has been amazing seeing how my new host teacher works. I think that loosing my old host teacher was a blessing in disguise. My last host teacher was very nice but she had only taught for four years. Sitting in on her class, I saw a lot that I could help with and a lot that I could learn from too. My new host teacher has nearly no room for improvement. There is nothing that I can pair with her to figure out or work on. For example... better classroom management, as my previous teacher needed help with. This new teacher had the class following every direction perfectly on the first day. There is SO SO SO much that I am already learning from her. She doesn't hold back when it comes to feedback. She tells me what I can work on and where I am doing well. She is constantly using everything she does throughout the day as a teaching tool towards me. And it's working well.
The last few days I have been leading the class in fun activities and games. This was her first "test" for me and how the class responds to my directions. To my surprise, they listened very well. There were only a few boys testing my limits, but overall, it went very well.
After every class we sit and talk about what went well and the plans for the next day. Today we met with my advisor to talk about the entire year. It was very overwhelming. The amount of information covered was intense. I'm still not sure I understand everything that is required of me but my host teacher assures me that we'll get through this.
Sooo today.....After my great day at school, my roommate, Emily, and I visited the new pool. I did laps in the lap pool and walked circles against the current in the current river thing. ( I have no idea what it's called.) We have decided that we are going to try and go to the pool twice a week for our leg workout, twice a week on the rock wall, and once a week doing something different. We will do all this after school as a way of winding down because we usually have a lot to talk about since we are both teaching in 5th/4th grade rooms.
Overall, my favorite part about the 4th/5th grade age is that they are starting to develope complex senses of humor. Some of the things these kids say is too funny. Today, one kid was running around the room at the end of the day with markers linked end to end. He was yelling that he was a Jedi and his markers were his "life saver" instead of Light Saber. It was too funny! Sometimes when they get in trouble, I have to bite my my tongue because I want to laugh so badly at some of the stuff that comes out of their mouths. Usually, the teacher will come over and laugh about it later. I have to learn to do that.
Obviously, I am enjoying myself right now. I know that things will get tough once my classes start in a week and a half and that I will get stressed out about lesson plans and units in the near future. Right now I am just enjoying the moment and the happiness.
Tomorrow, I am excited to be back at Era for the weekend. I miss the place and people when I'm away. I work with some very special people! This week has been exhausting though, which makes me nervous for the twelve hour day ahead. So, I should probably get to bed sometime soon. I have to be up at 5:30 AM. That will come early!

Have a good weekend everyone!

"Keep your face to the sunshine and you'll never see the shadows."

2011-08-11T20:18:00.007-05:00

This week back in Missouri has been crazy, busy, fun and exhausting all at the same time. Kinsey has been keeping me busy with her funny sayings and personality. She is always saying something out of character and way too grown up. It's been fun.
This week we have done so much. My visit started with dinner immediately when I arrived. It was great to see the entire family at one huge table.
We had a small family reunion at Aunt Tammie's house and a little swim. This was the first time I got to see Kinsey swim without floaties. She puts her head under the water and swims everywhere. It's adorable and kind of funny too. When we arrived we saw that there was a blow up slide. Kinsey told me that when I grow smaller I can slide down it. (If only it worked that way.)

We have been swimming, shopping, eating, playing at playgrounds and with friends, and soo much more.It amazes me how much everything changes in the short amount of time I am gone. The town square looks different, the kids look different, everyone's lives are different. Half the people I graduated with are married and/or have kids. Part of me loves it and is and always anxious to see how different life is when I return. Part of me wishes everything stayed the same here so I know what to expect, but that is selfish thinking.
The one thing that has never changed is the weather. It's always stormy when I come back for a visit. This visit didn't let me down. The original forecast was that 6/10 days I'm in town it would storm. There have been a few good ones.

From here until Monday, the time will fly because I will be busy. Tomorrow I'm having lunch with my brothers fiance, Linzy. Then I'm going swimming (if it's not storming) with Brooke and Kinsey's friend Lilly. Tomorrow evening I'm staying at my brothers house. Saturday is their engagement party, which will be like another family reunion. Sunday is church and lunch at great grandma's house. At 2 I'm heading to the Farris Theater to see the last Harry Potter film with Sarah. Then Monday morning, bright and early, I fly out.

This ten days has flown by fast, as it usually does. Seeing my family has been rejuvenating and I'm happy that I was able to come home right before school gets stressful again. If my heart had a mouth, it would be smiling! :-)

“Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain; but few are willing to make the climb.”

2011-08-01T18:07:00.002-05:00

August is here and I can't believe how fast this summer has flown by. I know I say that every post but really...Time is passing so quickly.
I have had some ups and downs over the last week or so. At the end of last year I was placed with a great host teacher for my student teaching. A week ago, she emailed me and my student teaching supervisor to inform us that she would no longer be teaching this upcoming year. Her mother has come down with some serious health issues. So I am back at square one. I am trying to be hopeful. I know that this could turn out bad but I think that I will be placed with another teacher. Maybe a teacher that I can even learn more from. I'm trying to stay positive. I'm not sure of what the worse case scenario is but I'm trying not to think about it.

Then this past week I got some great news! I was awarded a scholarship for next year. I also will be getting a grant. Overall, its about $8,000 total off my schooling. That makes my life quite a bit easier. I have to remind myself to think about now and celebrate the moment that I am living in. Sometimes I get to focused on the big picture and life passes by too quickly. Another thing that makes my life easier is that I have finished all the reading for my literature class and turned in my final research paper. The only thing I have left to do is attend two more classes and build a bulletin board display of books for young kids. That's it! Then I'm finished with the class and can move on to student teaching. Exciting.

Unfortunately, I will be finishing this class up while on my mini vacation in Missouri. I'm okay with that because then I can pick Piper's brain for ideas about the book display and maybe even get some help putting it together.
It's hard for me to get excited about heading back because I still have so much to do. However, I have started packing already and getting things ready to leave.
Friday morning I fly out early. I get into KC at 6:30 pm. It's going to be a long day traveling and fly is always so exhausting. But once I get into town I think I will be excited to be back.
It has literally been twice as hot in KC as it is here. It has only been in the 50s here while Missouri has been well over 100 degrees. Our stores are just putting their shorts and tank tops on sale which was great timing for me. I was able to pic up several outfits for the trip back home. I don't have much use for shorts here most of the time. I am required to work in pants at Era. So I have very few summer outfits but just enough to get me through my ten day vacation.
Next up: Several several bottles of sunscreen and a swimming suit. I'm hoping to come back with a nice tan, not fried!

Happy Monday!

When I look into the future, it's so bright it burns my eyes. -Oprah

2011-07-24T01:15:00.003-05:00

July has flown by, mainly because I have had so much to do!
This month has also been awesome. I have been making new friends and seriously thinking about my future and where I might end up.
This past week one of the pilots got married. It was a beautiful ceremony on a whale watching boat. Mother nature blessed us with gorgeous weather, not a cloud in the sky and we watched orcas and humpback whales show off for hours. I have decided I will not be getting married because no wedding I put together will ever top that.

My class is still dragging on. As much as I wish it would end, it is going strong. I have to say that I have read some pretty good books for this class though. I'm hoping to pull off a decent grade. The class ends Aug 13. I did receive my final grade for my political science class, which turned out to be an A! Whooohoo. Hello 4.0 GPA

Today I took my Praxis II test and am not confident about my score, but luck has been in my favor lately. Four weeks from today and I may be writing a blog about how happy or depressed I am. Haha. AND Now I'm off to celebrate with some dancing with my good friend Susie.

Two week from now I will be back in the Midwest! I just can't wait to have those dance parties with my niece Kinsey. I know she's looking forward to it too!

The fire you kindle for your enemy often burns yourself more than him. -Chinese Proverb

2011-07-01T12:54:00.002-05:00

Well, it looks like we have entered a new month already. I can't believe how fast the time has flown this summer. I just made my final payment on school, which is such a weight off my shoulders. I am looking forward to saving up the money that I make for the rest of the season. My literature class is going well. I have just finished reading some fantasy books for this weeks list of "must reads." This was the week for Harry Potter, Twilight and then a few choices of our own. I decided to pick The Hunger Games as my fantasy series. I really like this series and if you haven't heard of it, you should check it out...Soon. Other than school and work, I haven't had much of a social life these days. Last night was the first night in a long while that I have been able to go out and relax with some friends. This morning I was able to sleep in, which doesn't happen very often. I feel rejuvenated!
Today, I am planning on turning in my library books and swapping them out with new books for next weeks literature class. I also need to go grocery shopping and finish up a bit of homework. I have to start preparing to take my Praxis 2 test in July and I'm supposed to head back to Missouri August 5th-15th. Needless to say, the rest of the summer is going to go by just as fast as the beginning. I'm okay with that because I start student teaching August 23rd. I have to attend meetings and help set up the classroom during most of August. It seems like I haven't had much of a break but I kind of like it that way. It makes the time fly by and I am looking forward to graduating already.
As for this weekend, well it's the 4th of July and it's rainy here as usual. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it doesn't rain on July 3rd. We do our city fireworks on the evening of July 3rd as soon as the sun has set. This usually ends up being after 12AM July 4th. In the past we have had to push back the fireworks due to rain. I sure hope this rain moves out because they really do put on a great show here.
With that said, I hope that everyone has a great, SAFE, 4th!
Relax and enjoy!
XOXO

Listen as your day unfolds. Challenge what the future holds. Try and keep your head up to the sky

2011-06-19T16:16:00.000-05:00

(Rainbow over the helicopters)

So Much has happened since I last wrote. Work has been intense lately. there have been days where I have returned home soaked to the core from so much rain. Some days have been stressful from running behind, while others have been completely frustrating because of the mischievous, immature behavior of some of the ground crew. While I love my job, there are days that it takes everything in me not to scream or cry and I arrive home exhausted either way. In the mornings, my feet ache so badly from the constant standing/walking around the helipad that it takes me several steps to work out the soreness. I thought this would fade as the season went on but it hasn't. If what doesn't kill me only makes me stronger, then my feet will be made of steel by the end of the season.
While work has been a bit stressful, I have managed to fit in some fun carefree time. A fellow Co-worker and I took a three hour zip-lining tour over the mine ruins of Juneau. It was my first time on this tour and I loved it! The weather could not have been better and the ruins were kind of amazing. It's cool what you can see from so high up. After the tour we grabbed some lunch and The Hanger, where we spotted the National Geographic boat (below).

Kinda cool. Right? I wonder what they were doing in town.
On my days off, I have been focusing on not stressing or freaking out. I have just finished my Political Economy class relieving a little of the pressure on my shoulders. I don't think I pulled off an A in the class but a B is certain. I can deal with that, though it will ruin my 4.0 GPA I was carrying. Also, I have a literature class that I am working on. We are on our poetry section now. Right now I am reading:
Love That Dog (101 pages)
Norton Anthology of Modern Poetry (almost 2,000 pages)- yeah... I wont be reading that.
Black Drama Anthology (673 pages)
Contemporary Northwest Writing (199 pages)
One Hundred Years of Alaska Poetry (165 pages)
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening (28 pages)- That, I think I can manage.
Did I mention that I have a week to read all of this? I think the teacher must have forgotten that I am working 12+ hour days just to afford this class. 2,000 pages? Ha Ha Ha... I will do my best to read as much of these as possible. I have finished Love That Dog and Stopping by Woods on A Snowy Evening because they were simple. However, no matter how simple a 500+ page book is, it's going to take a lot of time to get through. I have this class Monday afternoon and have finished the homework on time thus far.
Just to add to the stress, my phone decided to take it's last breath today. It refuses to charge. The funny thing is that if it would have just held out two more weeks, then we were renewing our contract and getting knew phones. I was scanning the phones just a few moments ago. I just can't see paying $400+ for a new phone now, when I can get the same phone $300 cheaper in a few weeks. UGH! I guess my only option is to get a prepaid phone from the store to hold me over. I just need to be able to talk with my family (because we all know how hard the Virgin Islands phone issue was) and I feel safer with my phone. I drive about 30 min to work each day and I feel better having my phone on my in the event of an emergency or something. SO, tomorrow I get a new, cheap-o, ugly, phone. YAY!
I'm going to finish this entry with the good things that have happened lately. Firstly, I spent some more time at the shrine watching whales and sea lions, reading, and just relaxing. On the way home there was a bear right on the side of the road. I managed to grab a quick picture before it darted into the trees. I will post that picture later, if I remember. Also, we had the annual Era/Wings BBQ which was held at Sandy Beach and was pretty fun. It always starts off a bit weird for me because I don't know the Wings folks. Also, because I am in a higher position this year, the ground crew don't really want to come around me but I'm not yet cool enough to hang with the pilots. Needless to say, the first bit of the party I stood over towards the side feeling awkward. Eventually, a dog named Maggie brought me a huge stick to throw. It was bigger than the dog but she insisted. I threw it high in the air and the dumb dog tried to catch it in her mouth. After it hit her, she squeaked, ran back to her owner and started shaking violently. I felt terrible and went back to standing awkwardly against the wall.
It sounds horrible, but the dog is fine and it's kind of funny now. Eventually I found some comfort in the fact that there were others around feeling just as awkward. Music started playing, dinner was served and there were some great conversations around the tables. In the end, it turned out to be a pretty fun evening full of jokes, games, and a little softball nearby.
Last but not least, today is father's day. I sent my cards out last week and I called my dad on the phone today (before it died). I miss my family a lot but it's always comforting to hear their voices on the phone. I generally credit my mom for my musical abilities and my dad for my athletic abilities. My dad introduced me to my two first loves, basketball and traveling. For that, and SO much more, I am grateful. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all the dads out there! I hope it was a relaxing day for you all!

"He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it." ~Clarence Budington Kelland

Please hold...Melissa is trying to find her happy place....

2011-06-01T23:56:00.004-05:00

What a crazy ride the last few weeks have been. Sometimes I get home and just pass out. I feel like I am on alert all day just waiting for something bad to happen. Nothing bad happens, thank God, but nevertheless, I feel like I have to keep an eye out. It's exhausting running around the ramp and dealing with passengers all day, but I do love my job. I love that I get a lot of hours and a decent pay check. I also hate that I get so many hours at times and feel that I don't get paid NEARLY enough to deal with some of the crap that comes through the doors of the base. Luckily, most of the time the crap is minimal. I'm also the type of person who feeds off of others' energy. Having happy passengers and pilots makes for a happy day. Having frustrated passengers and pilots makes for a frustrating day. Etc. Etc. Sometimes we all need a reminder to smile and try to focus on the good parts of the day.

I can usually feel when I need a break, a day off. I was supposed to take a day off this past Monday but the workaholic in me showed up anyways. I had been to the library, been fingerprinted for student teaching and had a meeting with my advisor all before 10:00 AM. (Despite having a 4.0 GPA, my dean still thinks I'm irresponsible. "No, I work twelve hour days, six days a week plus school full time. Sorry if I forgot to turn in a stupid packet of paperwork by your stupid deadline.") Then I was bored and went into work. On my days off I find it hard to relax. Sitting around the house makes me feel lazy, even if I'm working on homework. However, after a half a day at work, I decided that Tuesday I would take the full day off. It was wonderful.
The sun was shining, not a cloud in the sky. I took my books for my Literature for Children and Young Adults class to the Shine and read on a huge rock for seven hours. I finished my books, watched humpbacks, sealions and sea otters playing around the rocky shore. I even have a nice sunburn. It was a wonderfully rejuvenating day.

Today it was back to work. Nothing like angry non English speaking people to snap you out of your happy place.
I don't have any real point to make or story to tell. I just felt I should update you all on my roller-coaster of a life that involves a lot of work, no social life, and homework from the devil herself. It's going to be a great summer! Stay tuned!

If you can't change your circumstances, change your attitude.

2011-05-22T12:27:00.005-05:00

I stole this picture from my supervisor. It's the snow capped Icefield and I think it represents much of Alaska to me. Alaska is so free of human impact. It is full of mystery and has the ability to make you feel small in a world that all too often seems to be shrinking. I think that is why I love my job sooo much. People can come to our base and be in the worst mood possible but once they come back from seeing the Juneau Icefield, they can't help but be happy, emotional, or touched in some way. Most people say it is life changing. Most people claim it's the highlight of their trip, if not their life. I am glad I can share in the experience. I thought I would share a few stories that have left an impact on me.
Story 1: A few days ago I was giving a safety briefing on the bus, heading towards the helicopter base. These briefings are boring and similar to what you hear on an airplane, except longer. Most of the time the people will sit smiling just to appease the employee. When I was finished, a few ladies in the front row were asking about my degree and where I want to end up teaching. This happens a lot. One of my favorite things is meeting the tourists, seeing what line of work they are in where they are from. I guess they like getting to know our workers too because I often get asked about my life. "How long have you lived up here?" "Where are you from?" "Are you in college?" What's your major and will you stay in Alaska when you graduate?" Anyways, I told the ladies I was hoping to get to the east coast and warm up a bit. I could use a good tan and let's face it. Once you have lived in the Virgin Islands, everywhere else seems downright freezing! In the back of the bus was a sour looking man who never smiled during my briefing and seemed annoyed and my cheerful personality. After everyone was off the bus the man approached me and smiled. He said he was a superintendent in Florida and would like to give me his contact information after his tour. I was thrilled. I know how had it is to get a job right now. However, I knew that when the tour was over, he would probably forget and I would be out picking up more tourists. To my surprise, he left his information with a pilot. He even remembered my name.

Story 2: I remember a year back when a family came in to take our Dog Sledding Tour. A mother and her adult daughters and son. They were extremely emotional when they returned. Every member of the family was crying and the daughter came up to me and my coworker and said her mother had only been given a short amount of time to live. Cancer. They were so happy the entire tour that no one would have guessed this was the case. They were making the most of the time that they had and this is a family I will never forget.

Last Story: Yesterday, we had a group of folks come in. One gentleman was in a wheelchair and another had difficulty getting around because of his muscular dystrophy. We have several "wheelchair bound" people that come in because we are the only company with a handicap lift fit for our helicopters. However, when we hear that we have people that are handicapped coming in, we get a bit nervous. Some people can be very nice when you try to help them. Some seem very bitter and everything you do aggravates them. These people were amazing. They were so high on life and ready to have a good time. The guy in the wheelchair was extremely grateful to be able to take our tour and kept thanking us. He was inspiring and made me realize that the things I complain about are small matters compared to the hand this man has been dealt. Also, I noticed a yellow jacket on his beanie and you know I love my Georgia Tech. We had a great conversation about GT sports and he told me that he is coming back next year and will bring me a hat. Haha. He made my day.

It's people like these that your mind will never let you forget. They make you appreciate the life that you have and remind you that, while you may not be able to change your circumstances, you can always change your attitude. They surprise you, like the first man. Or they brighten your soul, like the last.
So, I am going to take my own advice. It is rainy and cold here today. However, the rain seems to make the green grass and trees sparkle. The plants have been without rain for a few days and seem to have perked up with the showers. I have the day off and while I would love to e out hiking on a nice sunny day, I will take this time to knock out some homework and maybe catch up on some casual reading. Plus, I have been a bit under the weather lately and it will do me good to stay indoors and eat some hot soup. Haha.

"Opportunity is missed by most because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."

2011-05-14T20:03:00.006-05:00

My life suddenly became very crazy.
This job at the helicopter company is taking up a lot of my time and I am finding it hard to finish off the tiny bit of my Political Economy class that I have left (that, and I just hate the class so much that the last few chapters feel like death). I have been arriving at work early and not finishing up until late. I can't really complain because I know that I can use the extra money. I would love to treat myself to a nice little vacation before my student teaching begins. We'll just have to wait and see.
As of right now, I have only two lessons left in my class before I can take the final and be done with it. Unfortunately, on May 23rd I have another class starting up. A class that involves a lot of reading. You can skim a book on the economy and get the gist. It's hard to skim a novel...and, according to the syllabus, we are planning on reading anywhere from 2-6 books a week. This class lasts until August and I just hope that I can find the down time at work to get in some extra reading. Again, we'll see....
It seems like a lot of my life is up in the air right now. I like to plan things out. I like to make lists before I go to the store and I enjoy having an organized agenda. It makes life easier. However, lately, I feel a bit lost. I have about a year until I need to know what school I will be teaching in. I have no idea where I will end up and that completely frightens me. I don't know what my financial situation will be for this next year or even the summer after. I may have to work at this helicopter company again before I am able to get a job teaching. It all depends on the economy. I have no idea whether I will even be able to go home for my nieces birthday. I have managed to make it home eary year on her birthday since she was born. I hope I can do it again this year but we'll see....
Overall, I am doing well. The weather has been wonderful the last two days. It has been about 65 with blue skies. If I weren't working, I would probably be hiking one of the awesome trails around here. I have met some new people at work and the season is off with a bang. I even met a tourist today from Atlanta who is a Georgia Tech Women's Bball fan. Kinda cool, right? This job is constantly reminding me of how small the word has become.

I managed to snap a couple pictures of the helicopters early in the morning a few days ago. The fog was heavy and we were waiting for it to lift before we could fly.
For taking them with my tiny camera phone, I thought they turned out great. It's beautiful days at work that make my life easier. Most of the past summers I have struggled to keep up with this blog. Hopefully, I can find the time to update it better throughout this summer. BUT we'll just have to wait and see...

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T20:54:00.003-05:00

I think it's Sunday, right? The days and weeks have been running together lately. Most of the time I have no idea what the date is. However, I went to church today so I KNOW it is Sunday.
This past week started off with me running a few errands. I sent Mother's Day cards out and a baby shower gift to a close friend, all back in Missouri. I ran by the school to scan and fax a few pieces of homework. Then ran to the gym where I (literally) ran some more. The day was devoted to getting everything caught up before starting work.
That's right, work started for me on Tuesday. I work at a helicopter company, as most that read this blog know. We are seasonal and fly tourists to the middle of the Juneau Ice Field to walk on glaciers or go dog sledding. Anyways, I showed up and was greeted by the base manager. For some reason this guy intimidates me. He is slightly awkward and doesn't smile often. He also does this weird eyebrow twitch when he talks to you and his eyes never seem to blink. All that combined makes me want to avoid conversing with him, if possible. But there I was walking towards the helipad when I noticed he was heading my way, his eyes seemingly glued open. He stopped me to ask if I wanted to take a different position at the base. A little bit later we sat and spoke in the dispatch area about two options. I was offered two different positions, one which I would be inside tracking helicopters by GPS, answering phones, updating the tour schedule, and listening for emergencies. The other was just a step up from my current job. Instead of fueling helicopters, loading passengers, and doing manifests, I would be supervising it all. I enjoy being outside, so I took the latter.
My new title is Assistant Supervisor (AKA Lead Ground Crew). My new uniform consists of a glaringly bright orange (construction like) coat or jacket, and a headset with a microphone (I don't do this job to look pretty lol). I have to stand on the helipad and tell the pilots where or where not to land. I also do fuel inspections now, every morning. Besides a ton of odd jobs, I am just in charge of making sure everyone below me is doing a good job. We have some great workers this year and I am excited for the season.
My training has already started. Just yesterday the President of Disney Cruises came through. This is Disney's first year coming through Alaska and we are the only company they are flying with. On the flip side, they are really picky and I thought there would be more children. Maybe later in the season.
So, here I am on my one day off this week, writing this blog about my promotion, when I should probably be doing homework. YES I am still doing homework. Graduation was last weekend but my classes are lingering on a bit. Hopefully I can finish them up this week. At the end of May, I have another class beginning. I know that in the future I will look back and miss college but right now, that seems unlikely. For now, I'm going to keep plugging away at my final projects and keep working as much overtime as my body allows. What doesn't kill us only makes us stronger, right?

"Go ahead and land 188. Pad three and shutdown."

As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. - James 4:16

2011-05-01T23:21:00.006-05:00

I had just finished my Political Economy homework and was making a 'to do' list for tomorrow (Monday) when I noticed a twitter comment. All it said was "Anyone know why Obama is suddenly giving a speech?" I don't have a TV and was tempted to just ignore the comment. I figured it had something to do with the tornadoes in the south and the damage they left behind, or the rising gas prices (which are $4.20 at the cheapest places here). Curiosity got to me though and I clicked on the twitter comment to open it, which showed the various replies that had been made. One said that it was about national security. One said that President Obama just wanted to interrupt Donald Trumps show. One said that Osama Bin Laden had been killed.
My mind stopped for a moment before flashing back to September 11th, 2001. I was in school (8th grade) and the teachers had been advised over an intercom not to turn on the TV. Every teacher,except mine, turned on the footage of the attacks. Class was let out shortly after and everyone was talking about what they had seen...some were crying...some laughing. I was confused. It wasn't until I returned home and sat down in front of the TV that I realized what had happened. The news channel kept playing shot after shot of the airplanes hitting the towers and the pentagon. I didn't know what the Twin Towers were or the Pentagon at that time. However, I did know that an attack had happened on the Unstoppable, Unbreakable, All Mighty American soil... My thoughts about security changed at the moment. During the day I would wonder what would happen if bombs hit the neighboring towns. Would it blow down our schools? Would they be writing books about the poor American children like they did about the Japanese kids after we dropped the atomic bomb? I remember wondering if we should move out of the country, but what other country is safer than the United States?
My mind came rushing back as I dialed my family members to ask what their TVs were saying. It was true. President Obama was scheduled to speak about the death a few moments later. Then I rushed to the campus housing lodge. There I sat, alone in the dark, staring up at the anchors debating about how Osama Bin Laden was killed. Debating how President Obama would look when he gave his speech. I was waiting for them to start pointing fingers as to which political party should get credit for this historic event. Finally, Obama made his way to the podium and gave his speech. I was happy to hear the way it ended.
"Let us remember that we can do these things not just because of wealth or power, but because of who we are: one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you. May God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America."

I didn't want to cheer. I didn't want to dance. It seems weird to celebrate someone dieing. I know this person was responsible for killing innocent people but it was hard to watch the anchors smile as if the war is over and as if WE were finally going to also stop killing innocent people in the name of justice. I have a sinking feeling in my stomach that this could just be the beginning. You know, that feeling after you have just pulled off the best prank ever but now you have to watch your back because the returning prank is bound to be twice as grand.
I love my troops. I love my country. But I cannot sit around cheering about someone who was just killed. Instead, I am going to pray for our country, our troops, our leaders and for ALL the families that have lost loved ones in this war...Not just Americans.

"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring." -Proverbs 27:1

“Sure God created man before woman, but then again you always make a rough draft before creating the final masterpiece.”

2011-04-22T01:11:00.008-05:00

Last Sunday I went to church in a great mood and left a little puzzled and a bit frustrated. We started with some singing and music, as always. It's probably my favorite part of church because I have always felt that God speaks more to me through music than anything else (given my musical background). Then the pastor stepped up to do his sermon. Now, I really like this guy. He is from Missouri and Baptist, though the church is non-denominational. BUT most of the sermon was about who does what in the church. What should the church look like...What are elders...what are deacons...etc.
This bothered me at first because I was there to worship. I was there to learn about myself and better understand my life. I was not there to learn about the politics of the church. I understand it is necessary. I get that the church has to run like a business sometimes. However, I don't think that the sermon should be about this. Maybe this could be discussed at a different, set time with those who are very interested in it. I was there to worship, to pray, to get grounded again.
Then the pastor started talking about why only men are allowed to hold such high positions in the church. He quoted from 1 Timothy as I followed along in my Bible. He read about how women should be submissive and quiet to men. They are not meant to be leaders. They are not meant to teach. This is because Eve ate the apple. The Bible goes on to say that women can be redeemed from this original sin through childbirth.
(I thought: Well crap. I should probably get right on that then. I've been living a life of un-repented sin because I have yet to have children!)
I wanted to raise my hand and ask if this was just cultural. How does this pertain to the world we live in today? There are many scriptures that show people in this time period doing things that we wouldn't do in today's world. I didn't have to raise my hand because he went on to tell everyone that this is not a cultural scripture. This is the way it has to be.
Red flags immediately went crazy in my head. It felt so wrong. I wasn't sure if it was the feminist in me...which was halfway out the door with her tail between her legs... or the fact that I have always felt like a leader. In school it was sports and organizations. I remember some of my coaches saying I was an extension of the coach on the court in both basketball and volleyball. It came naturally. I was president of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. I entered college wanting to be an anesthetist originally. Now I am in the field of education and want to coach. I was vice president of the Student Alumni Association. I don't see myself staying an elementary teacher for too long. I would like to go on to get my masters at least, either in administration or special education. If this isn't a cultural text, that means that it is supposed to be relevant to my life. It also means that I have to rethink everything I have ever wanted. Everything I have ever dream of.
I posted something on facebook about how frustrating the text was. How I don't like the idea of being this quiet housewife who just follows everything her husband wants. Do I even want a husband? *Put down the toilet seat!* Several people responded about how when you have the right God-loving man, everything makes sense. It's easy to be submissive when your husband is so close with God.
It's still hard to digest...

God works in funny ways. This past week, after hearing this sermon, I have had some free time to think and read. I also went to watch the Vagina Monologues. This is a play that focuses on empowering women around the world. It's all about telling women to stand up and fight for what you want and don't want. It's based on true stories and facts about abuse, rape, bullying, cancer, love and loss...to name a few.

This is Eve Ensler performing one of the many monologues.

First of all, I found myself coming to terms with the fact that I disagree with the pastor on this subject. Second, I picked up a book by Eve Ensler called "I Am An Emotional Creature." Eve Ensler also wrote the Vagina Monologues. However, this book is written for and about teenage girls all around the world. It talks about the fears girls have and the pressure that society places on them in many different countries and cultures. It's eye opening. Some of the facts throughout the book are startling. It talks about these young girls as sex slaves (yes, in other countries but also in the USA). It talks about teenage pregnancies and STDs. It also talks about genital mutilation. In some countries their religion tells them that genital mutilation is a good thing because women are not supposed to feel pleasure. These are countries where women are expected to be submissive and quiet to their husbands.
I think and FEEL that God agrees with me on this subject. When this text was written, this was a cultural norm. Some of the nations most influential evangelical leaders are women. Would God want it any other way? Would God want me to marry now, have kids and become a housewife?
Why would he have given me dreams and ambition? A brain?!
I am a Scorpio. I am a strong "power female." I am a feminist. I am who I am and I believe in the bottom of my heart that God wants everyone to live to their full potential, not just men.

(For how many years did whites use the Bible to defend slavery? ...Cultural relativity...)

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”

2011-04-07T17:31:00.009-05:00

“I've come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in the classroom. It's my daily mood that makes the weather. As a teacher, I possess a tremendous power to make a child's life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated and a child humanized or de-humanized.”-Dr. Haim Ginott (Included this in my teaching philosophy paper I just finished)

Wow. Much has happened since I last updated. The college basketball season has ended, so I am less distracted from my studies. As I mentioned in my last blog, there is something comforting about having basketball streaming while I do homework. (Probably because most of the time I end up forgetting about the homework.) Now, the season is over. No more MIZ-ZOU, no more Georgia Tech. The one and only good thing about the end of basketball season is the beginning of tornado season. I love storms! I didn’t used to like storms but grew to love them. Now, I live in a place that has no storms at all. I am wrapping up my third year here (crazy how time flies, right?!) and I have never heard thunder in Juneau. Luckily, the few times I have been home, it always seems to storm. Even this past Christmas break I heard the sound of Mother Nature. You know I won’t be able to stay away forever.

Moving on, the most important thing to happen this week is me finishing my Advisors class. This is a class in which I have worked my tail off. I wanted to do great in his class because he is also my supervisor of student teaching. It is important to impress him. However, he is not easily impressed. This is an older man who has seen so many students pass him that he rarely complements anyone. He is not the type of guy who will boost your spirits. He speaks only the truth and is not afraid to tell you if he thinks you will fail. I like that about him. I like having honest people around because I always know where I stand. (I say that now because he has never said anything mean to me. My opinion might have been different otherwise. Lol)

This past week I was working vigorously on my Philosophy of Teaching paper. This paper will stick with me for a bit as I travel through the rest of the student teaching program. Needless to say I was worried about it. The perfectionist in me worries about the littlest things some times. Now it is finished and turned in. I presented on it last night and got great feedback. My Advisor emailed me and said he was very impressed. I got the “at-a-girl” and let me tell you, after all the hard work, it sure felt GREAT!

-The best part of presentation night was the girl who went before me. We had to connect Piaget and Vygotsky’s theories to our philosophy. Anyways, throughout her entire presentation she called Piaget… (normally pronounces Pee-a-shay)…. Pee-gay. Maybe I was childish but I couldn’t help but laugh. STILL it makes me giggle. Of course, I would have to be the person to present right after her. It was hard to pronounce his name right without giggling for the rest of the night. Also, a small part of me wanted to pretend pronounce Vygotsky as V-gots-gay…but I didn’t.-

Now, I have two main classes to wrap up. Both are demanding of my time but I have 100% in both. It IS possible that I could actually pull off that 4.0 this semester.

Last week I was able to catch my mom and Kinsey on Skype. That was fun. I need to get on there and talk with my family and friends more often. It’s nice to see their smiling faces and hear what all is going on 3,000 miles away. I am reminded of my roots and it keeps me grounded.

(She is looking way to grown up! I don't like this...)
(Kinsey doing her scary face for me on Skype.)

Also, I am officially back on the schedule at Era Helicopters again. My first week is April 25^th. It will be finals week for me as well but I am SO excited to get back to work again. I love seeing the large groups of people come in and I love being around the helicopters. It’s not like there is another summer job where I get the opportunity to fly in helicopters over the Juneau Ice Field. God has been SO good to me.

How can you see this view and NOT believe in God?

“A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.”

2011-03-29T13:18:00.005-05:00

People don't understand me.
They don't understand why I seem to be obsessed with sports. I've been streaming the NCAA women's basketball tournament this week and last and I get the same reaction from everyone. They don't get it. Why waste time watching sports? Why wear a Georgia Tech shirt if I’ve never even been to the university? Why care about a program that should have no meaning to me? Now, I feel the need to explain myself.
It started as a child. Making friends was not always the easiest thing for me and I found myself better relating to those older than me. This still rings true today. Most of my friends are older and wiser, mature. Throughout middle school and high school I struggled with cliques. I was in basketball and volleyball. I was a choir nerd and band geek. I was in plays. My grades were good and I was in many school organizations. I had friends in every circle. Especially in high school, I found myself becoming more independent and pulling away from those friends that I felt were bad for me. The friends who had hierarchies within their cliques. The friends who felt the need to dictate who you spent time with and how you lived your life. The friends who would eventually tell lies to my volleyball coach and ruin that high school sport for me. Bullies. I became very guarded, very sheltered and latched onto the things that meant the most to me, basketball and music.

Some of my best memories are of coaching 4^th-8^th grade basketball. I realized fairly quickly that playing and coaching are very different but found a mutual love for both.

While in the Virgin Islands last semester I had a tough time fitting in. I had a great group of friends but it took me a long time to get used to the stares and racial comments. It was a struggle, no doubt. The highlight of my trip was Paradise Jam. I watched the University of the Virgin Islands beat Puerto Rico on the opening night and wasn’t planning on attending any more games. A good friend of mine gave me tickets to see the opening round of women’s games and I had nothing better to do. To my surprise Missouri was in the tournament. Once again, I latched onto basketball as a source of comfort.

While most of my island friends were enjoying the beautiful beach, I was watching legends like Pat Summit and MaChelle Joseph coach. Seeing Robin Pingeton (who has an adorable little boy by the way) trying to build a proud program out of Mizzou. To me, the sound of squeaking shoes and buzzers is more comforting than the sound of waves crashing the shore. Call me crazy, but its familiar and familiarity breeds comfort.

Here in Juneau, most people don’t care about sports and if they do, it’s usually only hockey. I try to be patient when I get questions like “Why is there a big bee on your shirt? I don’t get it.”

COME ON! It’s a Yellow Jacket! *shake my head*

No one up here knows who Pat Summit or Geno Auriemma are. Uconn is not a team but a vehicle, misspelled. The quickest way to get people out of the room is to turn on ESPN.

Once again, I am stressing about this last semester of classes and struggling with being SO far away from my Midwestern roots. Thus, I have streaming basketball up on my laptop while doing my Political Economy homework. Later today I have a Body Pump class and then some more homework to finish up.

Overall, I’m in a great mood. The smell of fresh spring rain is in the air and the NCAA Tournament is getting close to the final four! I have the comfort of basketball to get me through another week and life is grand.

“Home is a place you grow up wanting to leave, and grow old wanting to get back to”-John Ed Pearce

Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does. -William James

2011-03-26T18:42:00.006-05:00

(You know it's spring when these fliers are popping up everywhere.)

It has been a busy few weeks. My advisor's class is wrapping up which means I have some big projects due soon. My multicultural education class is still taking up a good majority of my time but I have added a political economy class to the mix. This 100lvl class on the US economy is kicking my butt. Not only does it require a lot of work for a 100lvl class, its not easy work either. To top it off, it is BORING. I find it so hard to read these four books on how money flows through our businesses and government. My eyelids tend to get very heavy because I really don't care. I know that is horrible to say, that I don't care about something so vital to our political system. However, I have bigger fish to fry. ( I worry about money enough as it is. No need to worry about a class about money. Sigh)
Let's start with summer plans. As of right now it looks like I will be taking an incomplete on this political economy class due to crazy book ordering circumstances. I will also have an incomplete in my multicultural education class because it is set up to end in July. Plus, I will have a children's literature class that starts in may. To top it off, I will be working full time back at Era Helicopters. Luckily, I think I will be able to stay on campus for summer housing. We are supposed to have six credits in order to stay and my transcript will only show that I have 3. The six credits I have of "incompletes" wont show up. Right now, it doesn't seem like it will be a big deal. We will see....
Summer housing will cost $2,800. That is without the cost of my classes. Luckily, I have some money saved up but I guess we all know where my tax refund will be going. Right back into school! YAY. No fancy new clothes, no new computer, no fun flights out of town, but that is okay. Hopefully, I will pay off the school quickly and can save the money I make working at Era this year. Then I will be able to take a mini vacation when my schedule isn't so hectic and I can actually afford it. I also have to save up some money for the traveling I will have to do this next year, job interviews, job fairs and spending some time in the "bush" region of Alaska. It's expensive getting around up here.
I've been trying to tell myself not to look at the big picture. Sometimes you just have to take one day at a time because the bigger picture is way to stressful and just too complicated to think about. At the same time, I have a year until graduation and a lot that has to happen before then, including some tough decisions. right now I am trying to come to terms with giving up a good pay check in order to move back to the lower 48 and start my career there. I think that AK is one of the only states that pays new teachers well. While my mind changes weekly, if not daily, I think I have decided that what is best for me has nothing to do with income. Right now, what is best for me is moving back to the lower 48. Living on the east or west coast is still Much Much Much closer than living all the way up here. (People don't realize how far north AK really is and how expensive it is to get in and out of this state.) Surely I'll be able to find a job in ONE of those 45 states down there. I've taken out New York, Idaho, and Utah because those states will never see my resume. Ha!
I need to be back in a world that has storms and enjoys sports. (Get this. I went to the lodge a few weeks ago and some of the passing guys actually complained that I was watching ESPN. For Real!) Anyways, I just need to be a little closer to my family too.
Alright, on to the less depressing stuff. I have a new roommate. She has been moving in over the past couple of days and is going to make a great fit with the three of us. It is always nice to have a fresh new smiling face around. We are the same age, so it is nice to have someone around who has the same maturity level as me and understands what it is like to be in school at the age of 23/24 when everyone else is graduating at 21. She has also gone on exchange to a few different places so we have already had the chance to discuss our exchange experiences.
On another happy note, I currently have A's in all of my classes, making long tough strides towards graduating with honors. I'm heading in to observe my host teachers classroom again this next week, which is always exciting. I can't waiting to dig in and get my hands dirty.
I think that is about all for now. I have to get back to this never ending amount of homework!

"Even if you fall on your face, you're still moving forward." -Victor Kiam

If you cannot be a poet, be the poem. ~David Carradine

2011-03-14T02:47:00.008-05:00

I'm not sure where to start with this one, so I'm just going to jump in. An old friend of mine came back into town this past week. Unfortunately, things didn't end very well between us and when she came back, she wanted closure. For me, the situation was over and done. There was no need for me to meet with this person again just to re-open scars (not to mention the fact that I am up to my neck in homework). This didn't make that person happy and she took to her blog to vent about it. It was brought to my attention yesterday and I really didn't want to read it. I have heard all of it before. But, of course curiosity got the best of me

Here is an excerpt (written about me):
“What I have learned most during this trip is that I am not the weak one. I've been feeling so guilty for my past mistakes, for bad judgments, for petty comments and jealousy, and trying to convince myself that it was okay I was just a doormat.…But I noticed right away that I'm strongly aware of my faults and not the weak one because I'm not hiding away in an ivory tower, mocking everyone around me and laughing at them for failing to penetrate the thick walls I've built around me. I'm living my life and I am remorseful for bringing sadness to anyone. I've had to confront a lot of demons since I've been here including a past [friendship] that ended very bitterly. Not surprisingly, I was met with deaf ears, reminded that I am not missed, and told to move on because they so obviously have. Right...so I ended our communications with an apology, a heartfelt "I-wish-you-all-the-happiness-in-the-world" kind of sentiment because they kind of do deserve it, and a compliment which of course resulted in some more defensive mocking and probably just pissed them off that someone was actually being nice to them for once. And instead of feeling like crud all the time for my faults, I feel sorry for them for hiding and building such thick walls that I'm not sure anyone could break down.” (There was more but this is the gist of it.)

Wow. Well, I guess I don’t have to write about why our friendship didn’t work out. When someone is saying this stuff about you, it makes sense that you would push them as far away as possible. It’s toxic and like I said, I’ve heard it all before in one form or another from the same person.

I’m not going to sit here and defend myself. The people who read this blog know that I am not the person described above and I will leave it at that. While I wish I could say that the short write up didn’t bother me, I am only human. Of course, it sucks when people speak ill of you or take to the internet to degrade your character. It hurts, so I’m not going to sit here and do the same back at her. I will say this, she is very smart and in a great school. She will go places in her life and I hope that she finds a great circle of friends to take along on the ride. I hope she settles down with a lovely family and makes the best of her adventures.

Once I had finished reading about how horrible of a person I am, I curled up in my bed and dreamt I was a middle-aged, sassy, black woman wearing a form fitting purple dress and chain smoking in a bar in the south. (You know that’s funny!).

As for me, I am happy with my life and excited about the future. For once, I don’t feel stuck. I don’t feel as if I am attached to this town and I am anxious to get in the classroom teaching the little ones. When I graduate, I will go wherever the wind takes me and I will start all over again (preferably somewhere where there are tornadoes and basketball!).

Maybe I’ll get a car

Maybe I'll drive so far

They'll all lose track

Me, I’ll bounce right back

Maybe I’ll sleep real late

Maybe I'll lose some weight

Maybe I’ll clear my junk

Maybe I’ll just get drunk on apple wine

Me, I’ll be just Fine and dandy

-Dolly

"Wherever you go, go with all your heart." ~Confucius

Life loves the liver of it. -Maya Angelou

2011-03-10T14:38:00.007-06:00

This is my spring break and I am the busiest with classes that I have ever been. That's just not right. I mean, come on. It's SPRING BREAK! Oh well, I don't have anything better to do this week, anyways.
So last night I was sitting on my bed typing away at a response paper for Multicultural Education. It was around 10:30 PM when I heard my roommate yell out "I CAN SEE THEM FROM MY WINDOW!" I knew right away that she was talking about the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). My room has a tiny window with no view of anything but trees. I ran to her room and saw a very faint light green ray in the sky. It wasn't too exciting compared to the last time I saw the lights (ie the last post). I hopped downstairs and put on my warm winter boots anyways. I didn't want to miss a single showing of the lights. To my surprise, when I stepped out onto the sidewalk the sky above had a massive green stripe across it. I ran inside and yelled to my roommates that the best of the lights were on the opposite side of the house.
On the far side of the housing parking lot there is a playground. There are fewer lights around it so we decided it would be the best option for watching the show. The lights only got brighter. It's the craziest thing to see because the entire time my mind was trying to absorb it. The thick green bands bounced and danced across the sky showing hints of red at times. I'm not sure there is anything more amazing to see in the whole world. We know what causes it but yet it is still mysterious. NASA makes predictions on how strong they will be but you never know how they will really appear until they catch you completely off guard.
(This picture really does nothing for the lights. It was so much more amazing in person!)

Apparently, the solar storm that created the Aurora was so strong that the lights could be seen in New york City (that is, if you could see through the city lights and smog). Below are some more pictures. I have to add here that I did not take any of these pictures. They are from Yosuke Sano's collection, as my camera doesn't do well in the dark.

All of these were taken in Juneau.

"Those who dance are considered insane by those who cannot hear the music."
— George Carlin

“The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart”-Helen Keller

2011-03-06T21:59:00.006-06:00

The Northern Lights

“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.”

Obviously, the Northern Lights were out and about in full force (again) this past week. I was sitting at the dining room table when my roommates said someone had posted they could see them. We took a quick drive to a dark cabin and stood around watching the gorgeous show of lights dancing around the mountains. It was amazing!

This past week I have been working hard to get caught up in my classes. I feel like when I get caught up in one class, I fall behind in another one. While it has been stressful at times, I can't complain. I am learning a lot and am excited about the future.
So, I have some exciting news! I was contacted by my host teacher for student teaching. We met last Monday. I observed her class to see if I thought we would make a good pairing. I was happy to find the she is young and fun! It's a fifth grade classroom and I will be helping with Math and Science primarily. I feel as if I have been in school forever, yet I am still so nervous to be in the classroom teaching lessons. It's exciting!

This weekend is the start of spring break for me. I am proud to say that I am staying home and enjoying my break from classes. Except that I still have one class. Haha. My lovely advisor had to cancel a class earlier in the semester so we are making it up during spring break. I honestly don't mind. The class is fun and interesting. Other than that, I have been avoiding possible drama. It seems like every time I get my life on the right path someone or something tries to pull me off that path. Well not this time. I am happy. For once, I am really happy with my life and where I am headed.
Those people who try to take your happiness away are not worth the time or effort.

“Don't rely on someone else for your happiness and self worth. Only you can be responsible for that. If you can't love and respect yourself - no one else will be able to make that happen. Accept who you are - completely; the good and the bad - and make changes as YOU see fit - not because you think someone else wants you to be different.”

"Life is 10% of what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it."-John Maxwell

2011-02-20T14:39:00.010-06:00

(Full moon)

I was hanging out, doing homework, with my good friend Susie a few days back. She mentioned that there was going to be a chance to see the northern lights last Thursday and Friday. I didn't think too much about it because it is usually overcast in Juneau and we hardly ever see the Aurora Borealis.
Thursday evening came and the sky had never been more clear. Susie and I decided to drive out to the Mendenhall Glacier and see if we could spot the lights. First, we wanted to grab some snacks from the local grocery store. The roads were pretty bad, so we were taking it very slow. However, we noticed this cab driver following way to closely. He didn't pass us, he just wanted to give us problems. He started flashing his lights and speeding up, acting like he would hit us. I just ignored him. Turns out, he was going to the same grocery store that we were. At the stop sign before entering the store parking lot, he had trouble stopping behind me and almost rear-ended me. While it was a little frightening at first, it was funny to see his vehicle turned sideways in the road. Susie and I couldn't believe how ridiculous the driver was. We pulled into a parking spot and watched as the driver let out two high school aged girls. THEN, we were shocked he was driving so badly with passengers. We got out of the car and walked past the cab. I half expected him to scream or throw something at us. Then Susie pulled out her phone. She stopped right behind the cab and took a picture of his license plate. The driver panicked and sped off. thinking back, it still makes me giggle. Susie didn't get a clear shot of the letters and numbers, but maybe that driver will think twice before driving so poorly in such horrible conditions. I did feel bad for the girls who probably had to call for a new cab. I'm guessing that they ended up saving money since they most likely were waiting to pay the driver at the end of their return trip home. We think we did a good deed. Ha!
After checking out, we drove on to the glacier. To our surprise there was no one else around. It was only about 10Pm and we stayed there for less than an hour chatting and laughing before returning home. I was slightly disappointed but still happy that I had some good laughs. The next morning my roommate, Jamie, said she had heard people saw the lights the night before. My heart sank. I guess we didn't stay long enough because they decided to show their face around midnight.
All was not lost, Friday night showed a chance for us to see them again and thus when 10PM rolled around Susie and I headed back to the glacier with hot tea and snacks in hand. This time several vehicles were in the parking lot. The moon was high and bright. We waited for a while in the car. It was only 1 degree out and neither of us wanted to get sick. After chatting about boys and past relationships, hardships, racism, the Virgin Islands, sports, and the future, I was about to give up. I don't remember what conversation we were in the midst of but I know that we both spotted bright green lights coming over the mountain side. Susie and I jumped from the car and followed the path out to a resting area. It's hard to explain, but the resting area is usually where tourists sit in the summer to get a better picture of the glacier. It is away from the street lights and we thought we would be able to see the lights better. Because the moon was so bright, it made it hard to capture the lights on camera. Nevertheless, they were magnificent. (The best picture my tiny camera could get)

We got so excited we decided to do happy dances (plus we were cold and thought it would help keep us warm). A few seconds into the dance Susie stopped and was playing with her phone. Me, being the dork that I am, continued on with my wiggles. Turns out, Susie had noticed a guy standing a little bit behind us. I sure am glad that it was dark and he couldn't see my face! HA!
The lights faded for a second. Susie and I thought they were disappearing for good and started to head back in. Then they came out even stronger and greener as we hopped up and down with excitement. When the lights had faded for good, we left for the car watching over our shoulders the entire time to make sure we didn't miss a third showing. I can't explain what it's like to see them. (Susie had to get a picture of me in my Mizzou shirt!)

Sometimes the world feels so small and connected with humans running around destroying a lot of what makes this place beautiful. We have airplanes that can fly us around the country in a matter of hours. We have family in every state. We have friends who have shared their stories about other countries. You can research anything on the internet! The world feels so small at times. But seeing those lights was humbling. It made me feel tiny again, as if God were on the outside of our tiny world finger painting with green. With humbling moments comes that brief bit of clarity. You realize what matters and what does not. You realize that the people who make you happy are the ones who you should surround yourself with, and the ones who don't, you should cast away. We only have one life and if you're not dancing and laughing under the lights then you're not enjoying its full potential! Who cares about those watching in the background!

Wishing and Hoping and Thinking and Praying

2011-02-16T14:02:00.008-06:00

(Finally got my Georgia Tech shirts in the mail!!)

My week started off pretty good when I snagged the lodge TV for a few hours on Sunday. It was the pink zone games, where the teams wear pink uniforms and shoes while they play in order to show their support for breast cancer research and awareness. Watching all the teams gave me chills. Plus the commercials with Kay Yow....call me sappy but it was all so inspiring and touching.
So there I was sitting in the lodge with my Georgia Tech shirt on, waiting for ESPN2 to show the GT game. I waited and waited but it never came. Luckily, I had my computer with me and was able to log onto ESPN3 where there was live streaming coverage of the game. Did I leave the lodge TV? NO! I sat there watching the games on both the TV and on my computer and it was heaven. (And GT won, which put me in a great mood!)

Moving right along, we are over half way through the month of February and just passed the lovely holiday of Valentines Day. My Vday was excellent! I am not sure that I have ever had a better Valentines day. Did it consist of flowers? No. Did I get chocolates from a mysteriously unknown crush. Heck no! I spent the entire day catching up on homework. I wrote a 14 page single spaced paper, then a four page single spaced paper and submitted those online. Ah the feeling of accomplishment, better than flowers or chocolate ANY DAY!
The following day, yesterday, I woke up feeling a bit under the weather. Luckily, I had a weight lifting class and was forced to get out of bed. Otherwise I may have stayed in bed all day. After class I took a trip to the store to get some Popsicles for my sore throat and some soup. Then, again, I got busy with homework. The first paper I turned in last night was 11 pages long, single spaced. The second was five pages and wasn't submitted until 12:30 AM. I did take a break to stop by the lodge with some friends and watch Glee. The show is great for a good laugh and was exactly what I needed. Unfortunately, that is the reason I had to stay up so late finishing the last paper.
Today, my goal is to finish one more of these ridiculously long assignments. Then I will be completely caught up. I usually am never behind in classes but, in typical Juneau fashion, it took me longer than expected to receive my books. Part of me is tempted to take all these expensive books and burn them at the end of the semester, like a celebration for surviving. That is, IF I survive the semester.
Back to business, today I finish one more assignment. I may start on the next lesson just to get ahead, or perhaps work on homework for another class. It all depends on how long this first assignment takes to complete. At 1PM I have a meeting with SAA to talk about upcoming events. It should only last an hour at the most and I am planning on picking up some coffee along the way. It will do me some good to get out of the house. It has been gorgeous outside the past few days. I managed to get a few pictures while driving back from class:

I'm going to end on some exciting and nerve-racking news. I had my first meeting with my advisor about student teaching. He said that my file is out in the local schools and we are waiting to hear back on which teachers are willing to host me for next year. That's exciting! He covered everything that is expected of us during our year of student teaching. We will have classes while we are student teaching so it's going to be a lot to juggle. I can't wait to hear back on where I will be placed. Praying that I get a great host teacher!

"Perhaps the reason it never worked in the past will be the reason it finally works in the future."

2011-02-04T17:29:00.011-06:00

(I got this ball to workout and relieve stress. I find it more fun to play with! It Keeps me sane!)

Time flies when you're having fun, or just super busy! In my case it is the latter. I have been up to my neck in school work. Never have I had a semester this busy. I can't complain too much because the weather has been pretty cold, so it's not like I am missing getting outside. Lately, I have been sitting in front of my happy lamp, yes I have a lamp that makes me happy, and working on art projects, lesson plans, and child psychology. My life is all kinds of exciting right now.(Art projects-hehe)
I can't believe it has been so long since I last updated. I guess my school work has kept me busy. So how about that Superbowl? Go Pack! I watched the game at the Recreation Center on campus. I knew it was going to be a good game from the moment Christina messed up the words to the Nation Anthem. (To my surprise, I was the only one who noticed it. Sad right?) You know if someone would have done that in China, they may have been stoned. Ha! Anyways, I got a great laugh out of it because, believe it or not, the words can get a little tricky sometimes. (I have experience with this one!)
The game was great fun though. As always, there were tons of pizzas and stuffed footballs to throw at the opposing teams fans (the footballs, not the pizzas). And you know everyone loves those commercials. It was a blast and a great break from school work.
(Big screen=Awesome!)

Back to business.
There are a few upcoming events that are very exciting to me. First off, I have a meeting about student teaching and graduation on Monday. I'm nervous and excited but mostly anxious to find out what classroom I will be in for a year. Depending on which teacher takes me, I could have an awesome first experience or a horrible one. Secondly, I have finally received my financial aid refund check and can now take the Praxis II test. After passing that test I can get certified to teach. Yay.
Overall, the semester is going alright. It is a lot of work like I suspected but I am slowly making progress. I have a few classes which I am still behind in but the circumstances are beyond my control. While I don't get out of the house much, I have managed to meet some new people and keep up with the old friends too. Unfortunately, several of my friends from last year moved out of Juneau and no longer keep in touch. It has been for the best though because I have made some new hilarious friends. People that help me instead of hurt me. Friends who know when to tell me to get to work and when to take a break. They rock.

(Susie and I have frequent study sessions)

(Heather just got a Nintendo!)

Tomorrow is my free day, where I will work endlessly on my homework. But first, I am heading to the gym early in the morning for a nice run. And I can't forget the Georgia Tech women's basketball game! I'm not promising anything, but I have a good feeling about tomorrow. I have a good feeling about this weekend in general!
(But then again, I have been in front of my happy lamp. My opinion might change in a few hours.)

"God places the heaviest burden on those who can carry its weight"

2011-01-23T13:03:00.006-06:00

(Worked in some time to get to the Mendenhall glacier for a few minutes.)

It has been a great semester so far! I have to admit that the snow and rain has worn down my spirit a little but there is no rain or snow today and I think I might have seen a glimpse of the sun. Getting to know my new roommates has been fun. It's always great to meet new people. Last night was SAA dinner and a movie so I went to meet the new SAA board members and watch the movie Easy A. It was funny but a little weird not having my normal SAA people around. Other than that, I have just been plugging away at homework. I am waiting for a few books to arrive still that are on back order. Right now I have homework in every class to do. I took the day off Friday to relax a bit since I didn't have class. Yesterday I worked on art homework and Multicultural Education. Today I am listening to Georgia Tech kick butt against Boston College, while preparing to tackle some Educational Psychology.

(This is my car on the fourth day of snow AFTER I had cleaned it completely of snow the day before.)
As far as financial aid and all that fun stuff goes, I think things are finally coming together. The exchange kind of messed up everything but I think that it has all worked itself out. I should be getting a bit back that I will put towards my Praxis II. I have a few classes that will end in February and one class that starts in February. It will be nice to get rid of a few of these one credit classes that take up a lot of free time with busy work.
So that's pretty much all the updates for now. I have to get back to the endless amounts of homework I have left.

MIZ...

2011-01-12T23:00:00.005-06:00

(Walking to the gym for class. Don't you wish your gym had this view?!)

Classes are underway and I am sure that this will be the hardest semester I have had to date. Mainly because the workload is sooo much. It is only Wednesday and I am stressing about the classes I have had. I still have half my classes that I haven't even been to yet. My step mom reminded me to slow down and take one step at a time. I'm on the homestretch!
I have some good news though! I was able to change out my car battery and my car now runs like a champ again. That was a huge weight off my shoulders. Especially since it is supposed to be -20 degrees for the remainder of the week. Oh how happy I am about having a nice warm car to ride (and sing at the top of my lungs) in!
Also, I have met my roommates now. They are so sweet and quiet. I missed the sound of silence when I was in the Virgin Islands but here....ahhh....it is a beautiful sound. Speaking of the Virgin Islands, I was required to fill out a form about my experience and turn it into my exchange coordinator. She decided to pass the form up to the head of NSE so that something could be done about the problems I had. It's nice to know that people care. However, I doubt UVI will change it's ways.
Lastly, I ordered my books online today. I am so excited to get these books in so I can get to work. Some of these classes I need to be reading for right now! Oh well, no need to stress about something I can't change. Tonight, one of my professors said he didn't care if we didn't have our books for the first few weeks. He said he realizes that it takes time and money to get mail here. Now that's what I like to hear! In this class we had to do introductions. Just short intros about our name, where we are from and live etc. When it was my turn I said I am originally from KC Missouri. The professor interrupted me to cheer "MIZ-ZOU." I think I might like this class....

Pilot: "For those of you wondering why our first officer just ran out of the airplane..."

2011-01-09T16:01:00.003-06:00

Well here I am back in Juneau again. It was a long day yesterday full of sheer craziness. My first flight was upgraded to first class, which was very nice. The extra space was enjoyable but I had to laugh at the flight attendant who kept asking me questions like:
"Miss Peterson, can I hang up your coat for you?"
"Would you like a beverage while waiting for everyone to load, Miss Peterson?"
"Miss Peterson, there is a blanket in front of you if you are cold. Can I get you a snack?"
It was funny and almost annoying at times. The fight was short from Kansas City to Texas. I had a little time, two hours, to get something small to eat and take a restroom break. I'm not sure what happened but when I printed off my boarding passes at the beginning of my trip, all my window seats were taken away from me. On the long four hour flight from Texas to Seattle, I was stuck between two large men who just had to take up all the arm rests. It was the most uncomfortable ride ever. The man to my left must have been one of those secret security dudes. He was given free drinks and stuff. I found it funny that he passed out for most of the trip, until he started twitching in his sleep. HA! It was weird. The old man to my right kept elbowing me and never once said sorry. The whole trip, everyone was talking about football. I was sitting in the mist of the Eastern Washington University Eagles (football). Apparently they had just won the national championship. That explained why there were so many big men there! It was crowded.
After another short (2 hr) layover in Seattle, I boarded a plane with salmon carpet. No I'm not talking about the color salmon. There were actual fish on the carpet and walls of the plane. I was in row 26B, another middle seat. By the way, there were only 27 rows. In the seats behind me were three kids, their grandparents sitting across the aisle. These kids made me rethink my major. haha.
Just when I thought we were getting ready to push back from the airport and taxi onto the runway, the pilot came over the intercom:
"For those of you who may have just watched my first officer run off the plane, we have just realized the air conditioning is not working in this aircraft. We will be changing planes. Unload the plane and head to gate C18."
So there we all were, waiting for the tram from gate N to gate C. No one could understand why an airplane would need air conditioning when it is flying into Alaska. I'm not buying the story. So anyways, we all loaded into another airplane, the Disney one, and waited for stupid paper work to be finished before we could fly out. We were an hour late taking off and my head was hurting so bad I thought I might be sick. The screaming kids behind me didn't help. Three hours later we landed in Ketchican so that the plane could unload a few passengers and de-ice. A little over an hour after that we landed in Juneau.
A good friend of mine, Susie, was waiting for me at the airport and we took my bags and promptly left for the school. I was surprised to find the CA's still checking in people at the campus lodge. It was about 12AM when I unpacked a fitted sheet and curled up with a little brown fuzzy blanket and pillow (Thanks Jamie!). What a horribly long day.
Today I managed to pry open my solid brick of ice out in the parking lot, also known as a car. I now have my comforter for my bed and a few big pillows. It's 1:40pm right now and I just finished listening to Kansas City lose and Georgia Tech win. Now, I think I will unload some more of my car and maybe venture out on the public transit. We'll see!
Classes start tomorrow! and so does my workout! Wish me luck!

(You know it's going to be a good semester when there are Ninja Turtles on your door)

There are some people who will remain in your heart. It's ok. Let them live there. Just don't let them stop you from living.

2011-01-07T12:42:00.006-06:00

It's Friday the 7th already?! Wow! Time sure does fly when you're having fun. I was worried that I might get bored being home for a month while most of my family was at work. However, I have managed to keep myself busy. Kinsey has also been by my side the majority of the time I've been in. Everyday there is something new she says or does that just cracks me up. I am going to miss everyone so much when I leave, but I think I will miss her even more. I asked her if she wanted to fly with me to Alaska and she said "When I get bigger. I'm to little to fly now." She is adorable, even her little tantrums.
This break I have made the rounds pretty well. I spent plenty of time with the parents and made it out several times to see my grandparents on the farm. I made it to my dads family a few times for Sunday dinners plus I saw them over Christmas. I saw the step family more than usual, which was nice. We had a Christmas party and New Years lunch. I just got back from eating lunch with my step-grandma, step-aunt and step-mom. Most importantly, I got to see my two great grandmothers; one is 96 and the other is 92. They are such strong women who I love and admire so much. On top of that, I got to see a good friend of mine from high school, Brooke Ahart. We met up twice this break but I wish we could have met a few more times. She is so fun! The first visit she showed me her house and we chatted while Kinsey and her daughter Lilly played. The last visit we took the two girls to the Fun Run. I'm not sure who was more exhausted after that day, the girls or Brooke and Me. Haha.

While I have made the rounds visiting people, I have also kept myself busy with basketball games, singing, shopping, etc. I watched cousin Kyle play ball in Excelsior and then watched cousin Alex play ball in Wellington. I love watching high school basketball. Not only does it bring back memories but it's nice to visit with the family too. I can also make comments about the coaching and playing, knowing that I am leaving soon so it doesn't matter if people get mad. Haha. Only joking..Maybe. Moving on, I have cut my hair twice since being in and have been up to the mall to spend those gift cards. I'm not sure if everything will fit in my suitcase to take back with me, but I should probably figure that out soon! On January 2nd I sang Mighty to Save at church. It went well, considering I only had about a week to prepare. It can be seen here once the church posts the service online. They are a bit behind. Also, Jamie and I met a few days ago and recorded a song for Great Grandmas funeral. It sounds morbid since Grandma is still with us, but we knew we wouldn't be able to sing it live without crying. So, we took the music she wanted and recorded it for her. It's nice to have it done because I am never sure when I will be able to return to Missouri again. Plus, it's always fun to sing with Jamie! It brings back so many memories!
Besides all the above things, I have pretty much just been eating and enjoying American food again. haha. So much for that awesome work out I had going on in the Virgin Islands. I plan to start that back up as soon as I am in Juneau.
There are times when I think about Missouri, especially in spring time, and I wonder if I will ever live here again. There are parts that I love about the Midwest but I am not ready to settle down and stop traveling. I don't know that I will ever be able to stop traveling now. Maybe it is an addiction. Oh lord!
So now I am returning to Juneau, Alaska. Just a few months ago this time seemed years away. It seemed like I would never leave that tiny island. Part of me was afraid the only way I would make it back to the "mainland" was in a casket. A horrible thought, I know, but now the time has come to pack up and leave again. I am completely stressed out about everything that needs to be done. My financial aid is screwed up from my exchange. Right now, I owe the school money still and they can drop my classes if they want. I have professors emailing me left and right about assignments that are coming up. I have the head lady over my student teaching sending me emails about what all I have to have prepared for next year. Literally, the last email had ten documents attached to it. AND the lady just sent me a new email with a few more revised documents. Ugh! To top it off, my car has stopped working. I think it's the battery but wont know until I get back to Juneau. I am pretty sure my tiny car is covered in three feet of snow by now anyways. Apparently, it wont jump start. I guess I have to have it towed or something. Sigh. All the while, my little bit of money I received for Christmas is slowly slipping from me. I have to take my Praxis 2 test, which of course cost me some money. I have to pay for my car and whatever it needs. I have to get books for my classes! I am stressing...I hate not having plans figured out and it seems that the older I get, the more my future is uncertain.
Welp, I suppose I should start packing. Tomorrow morning will come fast.
It's been a great visit, Missouri! Thanks for the white Christmas and see you in a year or so...

Can't I just pack my family up and take them with me?!

2010-12-27T09:47:00.009-06:00

Wow. It has been a crazy few weeks. I always love returning to Missouri and seeing my family and friends. When I am in town I get to watch Kinsey, my niece, most of the time I am here. It is so nice to spend time with her because she seems to grow so much while I'm away. And the things she says! Oh she is so funny. Just today she was watching Toy Story. She kept calling Buzz Ligthyear, Bud Light. I tried to correct her but she swears she is right. We have done a lot together this Christmas vacation. I think I'm going to take her to the Fun Run, which is like a building of bouncy toys and stuff. I think she will enjoy it!

This time in I was able to visit with a friend, Brooke, who was in Iraq when I left for Alaska. She has a two year old daughter now and it was so much fun catching up. I took Kinsey with me so the girls could play and they had a good time. I think Brooke and her daughter will be going with us to the Fun Run. It will give Brooke and me some more time to catch up.
As far as Christmas goes, this has been a really good year. It was relatively easy getting around to all the many Christmas parties. It's been nice seeing everyone but hard answering the many questions I've been asked. I think the best part of being around for Christmas is seeing all of my family. I went out to the farm last week and spent the day with my grandparents. We moved wood, took the tractor and fixed the cows' fence. It's always nice to be out in the country getting grounded again.(Five generations of women. Baby Avery-age 5 weeks, Jamie-cousin, Aunt Tammie, Grandma, Great Grandma-age 95)

As far as Christmas presents go, I got some cool things. My dad and step mom got me a Happy Lamp. It's a lamp that makes your body believe it is getting enough sunlight and therefore keeps you from getting depressed. I will be able t0 use this in Alaska during the lack of sun in the winter. It also helps with jet lag and sleep. I'm anxious to use it. I also got a watch from my mom which takes my heart rate while I'm working out. I needed a watch! But never have I had one that I needed to put in my birthday, weight, and height. I'm stoked about it! I got a lot of other nice things too but overall, I just love being around all the family.

I love giving gifts too! It's hard for me to buy gifts too early because I want to give them away early as well!(Matt and Linzy with their Cruzan rum and ornament. haha)

Christmas night my brother, Matt, brought his Xbox Kinect to my moms house and we all tried it out. I don't think I have ever laughed so hard. It's a game similar to the Wii except your body is the remote. The best part about the game is that while you are playing, the Kinect records your movements and plays them back at the end. It's comical! And a good workout too! lol
Next up! New years! Now that I have been stuffed full of Christmas home cooking, it's time to make that same old resolution to work it all off again. I have music to work on for church on the 2nd and then it's just a count down to flying back to Juneau.
It's going by too fast!

I'll be home for Christmas!

2010-12-15T11:27:00.002-06:00

I have been back in Missouri since Friday. It was a bit of a struggle getting home due to some delays. but I am here. The cold is a bit hard to get used too. I forgot to bring winter clothes with me from Alaska, so I only have summer clothes and one pair of jeans. haha. But I am liking the snow anyways.
This past weekend I got to do a "ride along" with my brother. That was really cool. And just yesterday I talked to the ray county Kiwanis club about my adventures. I thought it went well. Now I am just trying to finish up some last minute Christmas shopping. I still have to prepare a song for church. I'm supposed to sing the weekend before I leave.
As of right now, I am just relaxing and enjoying being home.

“Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action.”

2010-12-04T06:47:00.003-06:00

When you sign up to go on exchange and are researching schools there are things that you never get told. For example, no one told me that the mosquitoes in St. Thomas (in the VI in general) can carry Dengue fever, which gives flu like symptoms but can kill you rather quickly if not treated. They never told me that the power never stays on for a full day. I didn't know that housing provided by the school does not have air conditioning. -Now I am not one of those "girly girls" who can't get dirt under her nails. However, when it is 110 degrees outside and you have to walk up and down several flights of stairs to get to classes, it sucks to come home to a sauna for a bedroom. - There are also the tarantulas. Did anyone else know they have those down here? I missed that memo.
I have had to deal with being a minority. I knew it would be different from what I was used to but I didn't think it would change my life. Teachers taught how horrible white people were in all of my classes. I had to remind myself that slavery in the Virgin Islands lasted longer then in the United States. I thought that the food here would be amazing. But I was completely wrong about that. See, the majority of the island is poor (considered third world). The cafeteria food reflects this.
I could go on and on about my expectations and how horribly the island missed the mark. But in all reality I have have changed so much from this environment. I have grown more independent and more self confident. I have been in the shoes of a minority now and while I have never treated other races differently, I have grown a new respect for them. I can't imagine living my whole life with people constantly watching me and judging me because of my skin color. I have learned about friendship, even if it is short lived before we all return to our homes. Most importantly I have learned that change is always good. Good for the mind and soul even though it may mean making huge adjustments in ones life.
As finals begin and my flight home rapidly approaches I have found myself becoming sad. The weather here has been 70-80 degrees with what the locals call Christmas Breezes blowing steadily. This is the start of St. Thomas' main tourism season and I can see why people enjoy this time of the year. The sun is still ripe and hot enough to tan but the ocean water temperature has dropped enough to actually cool you off when you hop in. I will miss the white sandy beaches. The island is a direct extension of the beauty of God's hands. And while I have found some of the locals to be less then welcoming, I found a group of friends who share the beauty and the pain.
The return to Missouri is going to be a time of transition. It is December 4th and the sound of Christmas songs still seems foreign to me. However, it will be nice to have family nearby and a sense of security. Part of me misses Alaska too but part of me is dreading going back. I return in the middle of winter to a semester of tough classes and a great lack of sun. It is funny to think that this time next year I will be job searching. Having all this time in the VI to think, I have decided that I will most likely not be teaching in AK. While the pay is great, I have too many other places I want to see. I think that is another reason I am sad to leave. While the VI has been tough, I have had this sense of discovering new things. I feel like I should spend the holidays with family and then head on to my next adventure. Unfortunately, I have to finish school first. (what a bore! lol). On the grand scheme of things does that mean I will return to Missouri after graduation? Uh..No. What about the east coast? or West! or any of the vast amount of land in between! One thing I know for sure is that the location will have at least one thunderstorm a year and will, of course, have basketball!

10 Days and Counting

2010-12-01T19:07:00.010-06:00

When I left off a few weeks ago my schedule was pretty crazy and, well, it hasn't much changed. I have been a busy bee turning in projects and finalizing papers. Also, my two Ohio friends left which I thought would leave me to spend the rest of my time in my room bored to death. However, school has not let me do so. The work is pretty easy, there is just a lot of it.
This week I have three finals, Volleyball, Table Tennis, and Health. I am not worried about a single one of these classes and will be in shock if I transfer anything other then an A in these back to UAS. I am a little worried about my Education class because my final is more of an oral final. My social science class, which should be the easiest class ever, is stressing me out. I have learned nothing in this class and think I am one of maybe four people actually passing. I don't want to just pass though. I want an A and I don't think that will happen. I will be lucky to get B because my final is cumulative. Lastly, my art class final....well that class is a joke. The hardest part of that final is just getting myself to do it. So, yeah...just wrapping things up here.
I am still working on my Missouri speech and I have not even thought about a song to sing when I return. I will deal with that later. I am stressing about Christmas gifts though. I am such a typical poor college student. It makes it hard during the holiday season. I have a few small things and a couple ideas but I'm not to sure about going through customs and all that at the airport. I don't want anything breaking in my luggage on the way home either. Hmmmm....
On a more fun note, I was able to go two weeks ago to Paradise Jam (mens). This is when schools come from the mainland and play here at UVI. It was great. I was able to watch Clemson, Xavier, UVI and Puerto Rico. The next week was the Paradise Jam tournament for women. I was given a free ticket and checked to see who was playing.Go figure, Missouri was here. It was great to watch them play! I also watched Georgetown, Georgia Tech, Tennessee, and Iowa State. I realized how much I miss playing and coaching. But it was fun to sit so close and watch some good games. Probably the best part of the night was when the power kept shutting off on the whole island and the generator would kick on but we had to sit and wait for the gym lights to re-heat back up. During this time the DJ played the Cha Cha Slide and electric slide and I laughed as Tennessee players and the referees danced in the dim light. It was a blast. However, by fifth time the power shut off everyone was tired of the dancing and just wanted the game to end. What a fun time though and a great break from school.
Well, this time next week I will be packing up my bags and preparing to leave. A week from Friday I will be flying into Kansas City.

(Thought the refs were funny looking here)

(The guy in the hat is the coaches husband)

(YAY MIZZOU)

(Tennessee/Georgia Tech game- Dancing when the power went off)

Time Flies When... You Have A Million Things To Get Done!

2010-11-17T11:00:00.007-06:00

Today has been fairly unproductive. I got up and had breakfast in the University Cafe. I went to social science class where we discussed how blacks in the Caribbean are still the minority because minority refers to how much power a racial group has and whites still have all the power here. (I find it interesting that the governor and all elected officials are black...) I'm not sure how this lady gets these facts. Anyways, after that class I had volleyball at the beach. That was a nice change. Now, I am going over a presentation on Autism. I have enjoyed putting this presentation together and was supposed to present it to class on Monday. However, we ran out of time so, hopefully, I will be presenting tonight. I am a little nervous which is to be expected. I guess, like most people, I get the most nervous about the things that I have put the most work into and am the most passionate about. I have also been working on a speech I will be giving once I return home. I have written some of it out and made a little slide show. It's hard for me to focus too much on it when I have been working a lot on homework. But I am excited/nervous about that as well.
I just turned in an eight page research paper on the Rastafarian religion down here. It is a week early (YAY Me!). I now have to work on a presentation to give to the class on the religion, no powerpoint, nothing but just standing up and talking. I also turned in a research paper for health class early. SO...for my Education class I have my presentation tonight, field experience in a local elementary school, and a final presentation to wrap up. I have two PE finals to do which should be easy. I have to finish my Missouri speech and get down a song to sing for January before I leave again for Alaska. Whew. Hopefully this will all come easily.
Just a side note, today I added another class which makes 7 classes for spring. Not to worry though. It is just a power pump PE class. I need something to do during the day because ALL my other classes are at night. So I added this PE class and I also emailed the Learning Center in Juneau about a tutoring job. I think it might actually work well because my classes are all online besides the PE class, so it should be easy to find time to work. Plus, I can work on homework at slow times.
Wow. Well... not long left until I am on my way home. I have to say it is bitter sweet. I didn't expect it to be but it is a lot of Sweet with a little Bitter. I am so excited to get home and also to get back to Juneau, but the water here is gorgeous. I will miss having the beach right near by. And the weather has finally cooled off to where it isn't unbearable anymore. I will miss the safaris too. I really like riding in them, feeling the breeze (even if most of the time the driving is crazy). Anyways, I still have soo much to do before I can even begin to worry about leaving.
Whew. It's going to be a crazy ride for the next few days.

"If you lift me up, just get me through this night. I know I'll rest tomorrow and I'll be strong enough to fight."

2010-11-05T09:04:00.009-05:00

It has been an interesting week here in the US VI. I'm not exactly sure where to start.
I guess I'll start with today. Originally, I had planned to make today a beach day.. Not sure if that is going to happen since Hurricane Tomas has passed us and is sending us lots of wind and rain. I went to Social Science class where I received the rough draft of my research paper back with little writing on it. The teacher called me up front and said, "I think this is it." I was like "what?" She then told me that my rough draft was good enough to be my final paper and that all I needed to fix was one capitalized word in my citations that didn't need to be there. That was great to hear.
However, the class started and we began discussing what a family is and how in the Caribbean sees a family much different then the world. I had no clue what I was in for.
I quickly came to realize that the only people that the blacks down here HATE worse then whites, is Homosexuals.
Let me first say that I am a Christian and I believe that Jesus came and died for me and I believe that I am blessed because of everything thing he has provided and everything I have been able to see in my life time.
BUT let me just add... Jesus would never hate. He wouldn't hate me because I'm white and he wouldn't hate someone if they were gay. Jesus was all about loving.
Scientifically, our days of believing that homosexuality is a choice are Over. Do you honestly think that today's gay youth would be killing themselves if it was really a choice? Do you think that Jesus would have bullied these kids into killing themselves?
I often wonder if the amount of preservatives and genetically engineered foods we consume have have somehow altered our genes or something but I am no scientist and I am not God. Therefore I have no right to condemn these people to hell.
I think that one thing I was supposed to learn by being down here is that life is Hard on the other side of the fence. I can't imagine feeling like this the rest of my life. I can't imagine being hated for my skin color everyday for the rest of my time on Earth. I can't imagine being hated for something I can't change.
All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.-John 6:37

On a lighter note, I visited the British Virgin Islands last weekend. It was Gorgeous! The BVI is some place that I could see myself coming back to visit. The Baths were amazing and were just as great as everyone had told me they would be:Tyra Banks and many other super models have posed in this very spot! I could have stayed there forever.

After the Baths we went snorkeling in caves on the one and only Treasure Islands. No treasure was found but we did see a black shark, octopus, barracuda, and lots and lots of fish!

It was so nice to get off the island and use my passport! I would do it again at any second if only I had the money haha.
Now, it's on to a research project on Autism, a research project on Brain Aneurysm, turning my Social Science research paper rough draft into the final draft, a speech for when I return to Missouri and hopefully a little bit of ME time at the beach before the end of the weekend!
Have a wonderful relaxing weekend everyone!

"Don't matter if you're black or white..."

2010-10-21T12:13:00.002-05:00

Last entry I left off after receiving my pink eye medicine.. Unfortunately, a week later my eyes were only worse. I went to the school doctor this past Monday who took the time to look in my eyes. He said I am still having an allergic reaction to the Bactrim I was placed on a while back. I have a new medicine now that burns and itches badly but has helped a lot too. My eyes are much better then they were though they have not completely cleared up. My friends have started joking that if someone here isn't going to make it home, it will be me because I have the worst luck. AND that if I were one of the first settlers I would have been the first to die from illness.
I know it seems like I complain a lot. I generally don't complain as much as I do down here. I had a girl come up to me today and say "Like omg Melissa, I totally can't see why you hate it here." (Yes she is blond). My response was this, I don't hate it here. I don't hate the view or the beaches. I don't hate some of my classes and I don't hate some of the experiences I have had here. It's just that whenever you think of an island in the Caribbean you think tropical paradise. For ME this was a complete let down. For me, this is not my paradise. I love changing weather (thanks Missouri for that). I love snow and mountains. I love whales and trees that are so tall they seem like they might fall with one gust of wind. I love the small town feel. All of these things this island doesn't have. Not to mention the illnesses I have had and the people I have encountered.
I was so very nervous when I arrived in Juneau but I grew to love it very quickly. I made friends easily and stomped through the snow to class with an appreciation for Gods beautiful creations. It was gorgeous and the people were nice. Here I knew when my dad and I landed that something just felt wrong.
This is not "God's Country."
Here is one example of something little that, mixed with everything else, is kind of unbearable.
I have this art teacher. She is smart and knows her stuff, a graduate of NYU. However, she is very anti-American, anti-American schools, anti-democracy, anti-Christianity, anti-EVERYTHING that I am. Her opinion becomes fact in class and she often teachers more about her opinions and personal life rather then art.
Recently she stated that:
*the cross on which Jesus died is shaped like a penis because all Romans, even Christians, had small penises and built all kinds of structures to compensate for this.

* that all conservatives start wars because they are christian and therefor are not having, or are having lousy sex, or because they have small penises. Hence why Bill clinton didn't start a war, he had plenty of women, same for JFK.

*that Christians took the Bible and rewrote it to say what we wanted.

*that Jesus is not God's son or God. He was just a guy teaching about love and peace. She knows this because she speaks fluent hebrew and that's what the Bible REALLY says.

*being celibate is a sin because god said to "Go Forth and Multiply," and said nothing about marrying.

*that all Iowa teachers are horrible, because her sons current teacher is horrible and happens to have lived in Iowa for some time.

*that all of the USA is like New York. (I told her she needed to get out a bit.)

*that all birthing hospitals or centers are only places to make women feel inferior. She states that we as women can have children without doctors (which is true) and that doctors are only around to keep women dependent on men. (which is SO FAR OFF)

and finally
*that all American public school students are drugged and on ADHD medicine to keep them from being kids and to make the teacher's job easier. (mind you her son is in a private school and they have told her that he may be ADHD.)

Oh man, I could go on forever. And she is not the only teacher to behave like this. Another of my teachers has no idea why Columbus sailed the ocean. SIGH
I promised myself never to be this kind of a teacher or person.
So yeah, been an interesting semester so far. I would like to say that I am looking forward to what this next week brings but...the past weeks have only brought pain.
Sorry that I have no fun pictures this time around. Not really in funny mood.
Enjoy the weekend everyone!

"When it rains, it pours!"

2010-10-12T20:08:00.013-05:00

What an interesting week I have had. That red eye I wrote about in my last blog...well it got worse and in both eyes so I went to the doctor. The problem was that no Doctors offices were open because it was Columbus Day. So, I had to go to the ER:

Since the pharmacies were closed on Columbus day too, I had to wait until the next day to take an hour and a half long Safari ride to the Kmart Pharmacy for my prescription:

So I went back home to barely catch my Health class, which I had a test in. The next day, I woke up with swollen gross eyes and hopped back on the safari to get to the Kmart again:
Much to my surprise, the pharmacy had my medicine waiting for me and I put the drops in right there in the store. Too bad it cost $65!

I wish I could say that the story ends here, all happy. Unfortunately, that is not the case. I returned to my room to see my roommate had moved out, and I had a message on my phone to see my RA (resident advisor). I guess my roommate felt that I was to unsanitary to live with so she turned me in and they moved her out. Plus, the school housing office wanted me to meet with the nurse again to make sure I...you know...didn't need to be quarantined.
So, I did and I apologized to her for being in so much lately. She said it wasn't a big deal and that often times when we move great distances our bodies become stressed and our immune systems go down. She said she was going to tell the school that I am healthy.
SO SCREW U ROOMMIE! or should I say Ex roommate! Karma has vicious teeth so beware.
Oh yeah, and thanks for the FREE single room!